Anthony Joshua latest: Boxer’s team members named as two killed in Nigeria car crash which injured heavyweight
Former two-time world heavyweight champion escaped with minor injuries
Two “close friends” and members of boxer Anthony Joshua’s team have been confirmed dead following a fatal car crash in Nigeria.
Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele are believed to have been travelling in the same Lexus Jeep as Mr Joshua when it collided with another vehicle on a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway at 11am local time on Monday, according to reports.
Mr Ayodele, otherwise known as Latz, was seen playing table tennis with Mr Joshua hours before the collision. Known as healthy_mindset on social media, he has been by Joshua's side over the last decade of his career.
Mr Ghami is a physio in the boxer’s team and a friend of Mr Joshua, who is reportedly in a stable condition and has spoken to his family, but was rushed to hospital after he suffered minor injuries in the crash.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion, who is also of Nigerian heritage, was holidaying in Africa just 10 days after his high-profile fight with Jake Paul. Follow all the latest updates, news and reaction from the car crash below:
Anthony Joshua sat behind driver in fatal crash crash
Anthony Joshua was sat behind the driver in the crash that killed two people, according to an eyewitness.
"Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him," Adeniyi Orojo has told the Nigerian newspaper The Punch.
A Lexus and Pajero were reportedly involved in the crash, with Mr Orojo adding: "There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash."
Chris Eubank Jr pays tribute to Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
Boxer Chris Eubank Jr has said “thank god our heavyweight champ survived” as he paid tribute to Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
In a post on X he wrote: “Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both… they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.”
Anthony Joshua sent Jake Paul to hospital with broken jaw after fight
Ten days ago, it was Joshua’s opponent who was taken to hospital.
Joshua broke Jake Paul’s jaw in two places during their fight in Miami, leaving the American on a liquid diet over Christmas, apparently.
Jake Paul details major damage caused by Anthony Joshua in knockout loss
Matchroom Boxing statement in full as Joshua's team members confirmed dead
Here’s Matchroom Boxing’s statement in full:
Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today.
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.
Watch: Anthony Joshua plays table tennis with Latz hours before being injured in fatal car crash
Nigerian president says he has spoken to Joshua over the phone
Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he has spoken to Anthony Joshua personally to send his condolences.
In a post on X he wrote: “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.”
He said he had also spoken to and prayed for Mr Joshua’s mother, who was reportedly “deeply appreciative” of the call.
“Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention,” he continued.
“May God strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed.”
Full report: Anthony Joshua’s friends confirmed as two casualties in fatal car crash that injured boxer
Anthony Joshua’s friends have been confirmed as the two casualties of a car crash in Nigeria, which left the heavyweight boxer with minor injuries.
Their identities have now been revealed as Mr Joshua’s personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami.
The Independent’s combat sports editor Alex Pattle has the full report:
Anthony Joshua’s friends confirmed as victims in fatal car crash that injured boxer
WBC president pays tribute to 'close friends to the champ'
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has paid tribute to Mr Ayodele and Mr Ghami as “close friends to the champ”.
“Deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Sina and Abdul Latif members of team Joshua and close friends to the champ @anthonyjoshua,” he wrote in a post on X.
“Sympathy for their families and friends during this difficult times.”
Pictured: Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele
Sina Ghami - a physio and friend who played a 'pivotal' role in Joshua's recent victory
The Independent’s sports editor Jack Rathborn reports:
Sina Ghami, a team member, physio and friend of Anthony Joshua, has been confirmed as one of the two people killed in the fatal car crash in Lagos, Nigeria on Monday.
Known as sina_evolve on social media, Sina has played a pivotal role in Joshua's most recent training camp and fight against Jake Paul.
He was seen working on Joshua in the last month, providing deep-tissue massaging and aiding the two-time former world heavyweight champion with deep stretching.
Sina posted an Instagram story less than five hours before news broke of the car crash, which has left Joshua "badly shaken" but with only "minor injuries".
The story included a vehicle with the location Lagos tagged.
Sina is of Persian and Iranian descent, just like Jake Paul's promoter and Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, who posed for a picture together with Joshua throughout fight week in Miami in December.
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