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Joshua discharged following deadly road accident
British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been released from a Nigerian hospital days after a car crash that claimed the lives of two of his close associates, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Crash details and investigation
The incident occurred on Monday when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos. Authorities reported that the vehicle suffered a tyre blowout moments before the impact.
Ogun State police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi told the BBC that the investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted discreetly. The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) confirmed preliminary findings pointing to the burst tyre as a contributing factor.
Victims identified as longtime team members
The two men killed in the accident were identified as Sina Ghami, Joshua's full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for over a decade, and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, another close friend and team member. Both were described as integral parts of Joshua's support network.
Following his discharge, Joshua visited the funeral home where the bodies of Ghami and Ayodele were being prepared for repatriation, according to a joint statement from Ogun and Lagos states. The statement described Joshua as "heavy-hearted" over the loss.
Tributes pour in from boxing community
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who has worked with Joshua since his transition to professional boxing after winning Olympic gold in 2012, paid tribute to the deceased on Instagram. "Rest in peace Latz and Sina," he wrote. "Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time."
Other prominent figures in boxing also expressed their condolences. Retired cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew posted on X, calling the losses "tragic" and offering his thoughts to the families. "I hope he [Joshua] is able to process this with time because there is no pain in life worse than grief," Bellew added.
Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and former heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury shared messages of support on Instagram Stories.
Joshua's recent activities and background
Joshua, 36, was in Nigeria on holiday following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December. Born in Watford to Nigerian parents, he has frequently visited the country and maintains strong ties to his heritage.
The former world champion was deemed medically fit to continue his recovery at home, though the emotional toll of the accident remains significant.
