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Boxer Anthony Joshua survives crash that claims two lives
British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was hospitalized after a road collision in Nigeria's Ogun State on Monday that killed two close members of his team, authorities and promoters confirmed.
Crash details and casualties
The accident occurred around noon local time (11:00 GMT) on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua struck a stationary truck. Nigerian traffic police attributed the crash to a tyre burst caused by excessive speed, which led the vehicle to lose control.
Joshua's longtime strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif "Latz" Ayodele were pronounced dead at the scene. Both men had been integral to Joshua's training regimen for over a decade.
Joshua's condition and response
Joshua, 36, was extracted from the wreckage by his security team and taken to a hospital in Sagamu for initial treatment before being transferred to a specialized facility in Lagos. Officials from Ogun and Lagos states reported that Joshua was conscious, stable, and in contact with his family.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed that he spoke directly with Joshua, who assured him he was receiving optimal care. "AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care," Tinubu wrote on X.
Tributes and reactions
Promoter Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Boxing, paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, calling them "two great men" and "massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine." Boxing analyst Steve Bunce described the pair as "two of Joshua's closest friends," noting their long-standing roles in his career.
"Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone."
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing
Jake Paul, Joshua's recent opponent, expressed condolences on X, stating, "Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today's unfortunate accident."
Investigation and context
Ogun and Lagos state governments announced a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Lagos-Ibadan expressway, where the crash occurred, is notorious for high fatality rates, particularly during the festive season when traffic surges with Nigerians returning from abroad.
Joshua, who holds family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, had been in Nigeria following his victory over Paul on December 19. Relatives in Sagamu, where the boxer's family is prominent, told the BBC they were shocked by the news and praying for his recovery.
Legacy of the victims
Ghami, who co-founded the London gym Evolve, had been Joshua's strength coach for over ten years, contributing to his preparation for major fights, including the recent bout with Paul. Evolve announced it would close on December 30 to mourn Ghami's death.
Ayodele, Joshua's personal trainer, was frequently seen alongside the boxer, including in an Instagram video posted hours before the crash showing them playing table tennis.
