Anthony Joshua was initially reported to have suffered only ‘minor’ injuries in the tragic car crash which killed two people on Monday, but there are fears his condition may be worse than first thought.
The 36-year-old was a passenger in a Lexus which crashed into a stationary truck in Makun, Nigeria.
Joshua’s close friends Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele were killed in the accident, which occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Just hours earlier, Joshua had shared a video with his followers on social media that showed him enjoying a game of table tennis with Ayodele, who was affectionately known as ‘Latz’ to close friends.
The former world heavyweight champion was seen wincing and clearly in some discomfort as he left the wreckage, but he was reportedly ‘fine’ and ‘stable’ after being transported to hospital.
However, the Daily Mail reports fears that Joshua’s injuries may be more serious than initially thought.
Possible rib and knee problems have been suggested to the Mail by ‘an individual in his inner circle’.
Clearly there will also be huge emotional turmoil and stress for the Olympic gold medallist after losing two friends in the accident.
Clearly there will also be huge emotional turmoil and stress for the Olympic gold medallist after losing two friends in the accident.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, shared a statement on Monday evening which explained that the boxer was still in hospital ‘in a stable condition’ as the names of the victims in the crash were confirmed.
‘Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today,’ the statement read.
‘With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
‘Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.
‘Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.
‘No further comment will be made at this time.’
Who were Anthony Joshua's friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami?
Throughout his time in boxing, Anthony Joshua has kept a close-knit circle of friends and associates around him, plenty of those working silently behind the scenes during his ascent to the summit of the sport.
Both Ghami and Ayodele were part of that group, considered good friends having worked closely with him for years.
Who is Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele?
‘Latz’ is a long-time friend of Joshua’s and has been part of the AJ team going all the way back to his maiden world title victory over Charles Martin in 2016.
Ayodele was Joshua’s personal trainer and a dedicated Muslim having converted to Isam in 2012.
His Instagram feed is littered with images and videos of him alongside Joshua in the gym and relaxing away from it.
Just hours before the crash, he shared a video on Instagram of him and Joshua smiling and laughing over a game of table tennis.
Latif worked with a number of other prominent sports men and women with New Zealand rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams among those paying tribute.
According to his Facebook profile, he attended St Joan of Arc Catholic School in Rickmansworth, a few miles from Joshua’s hometown of Watford.
Who is Sina Ghami?
Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, a role he held for more than a decade.
He was also the co-founder of Evolve Gym in London. Their website states Ghami was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator who specialises in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise.
Ghami was at Joshua’s side throughout his career, including his crowing moment against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in 2017.
His last Instagram story appeared to be a shot of Joshua’s motorcade through Lagos.
Nigeria President, Bola Tinubu, revealed he had spoken to Joshua after the crash.
‘I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care,’ Tinubu posted on social media.
‘I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.’
An Ogun police command statement read: ‘The vehicle conveying Mr Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. Joshua, seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention with another injured person.
‘Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell hospital morgue, Sagamu. The Ogun state police command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced.’
Joshua was visiting Nigeria shortly after his money-spinning win over Paul in Miami on December 19 and plans were in place for him to return to the ring in February or March before a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury later in 2026.
Those plans will be on hold while AJ recovers from his injuries and decides what he wants to do next after the traumatic experience.
Paul was quick to offer his condolences after the accident, posting on X: ‘Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.
‘RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif / Latz” Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ.’
