Fatal Crash: Usyk, Klitschko, Fury, and Others Offer Joshua Compassion and Honor Dead Colleagues
Joshua is recuperating in a Lagos hospital while Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele are grieved by Fury, Usyk, Klitschko, and others.
After former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua lost two close friends and teammates in a car accident in Nigeria, tributes have been pouring in from all around the boxing world.
On Monday, Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif” Ayodele lost their lives in a car accident at Makun in Ogun State on the Lagos-Ibadan motorway. Joshua, who was in the car as well, survived the collision and is still in the hospital in Lagos. According to his management team, his status is stable.
Joshua’s personal trainer was Ayodele, also referred to as Latz, and his strength and conditioning coach was Ghami. The 36-year-old fighter had collaborated with both men since the beginning of his career.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear about AJ and his close-knit group of friends,” wrote former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko on X. After having the pleasure of a memorable bout with AJ, I have always thought of him as a real class act who deserves my highest respect. My sympathies are with him, and I want the best for him and his loved ones during this trying time.
In a tribute, former opponent Tyson Fury wrote on Instagram: “This is so sad.” May God grant them a comfortable bed in heaven.
In his statement, current WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk called the loss “an unbelievable one” and referred to Ghami and Ayodele as “two incredible people who were not only a part of AJ’s team, but also friends!” He also said, “Stay strong, champion,” and offered his “sincere condolences to their families, loved ones, and everyone who knew them.”
Additionally, Jake Paul posted his condolences, saying that life is far more significant than boxing. I’m praying for AJ, the victims of today’s terrible accident, and everyone else affected.
The boxer and his mother are receiving treatment at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has verified that he visited them. “I have personally expressed my condolences to AJ for the loss of his two close associates, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, in the recent accident,” Tinubu stated. I prayed with him and hoped he recovered completely and quickly. AJ told me he is getting the greatest treatment available. I also prayed for his mother and talked to her.
Joshua “narrowly escaped death,” according to Ogun State officials, although they stated he did not need emergency medical assistance at the crash scene.
Before losing control during “an overtaking manoeuvre” and colliding with a halted truck, the Lexus car “was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit,” according to preliminary findings from Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps.
Early investigations revealed that the car “experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed” while traveling from Lagos to Sagamu, which resulted in the fatal incident, according to police commander Babatunde Akinbiyi.
