Anthony Joshua flies back to UK after fatal Nigeria car crash
Anthony Joshua has returned to the UK after being involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends.
Joshua, one of the passengers in the incident, was hospitalized following the crash on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Monday, which was immediately confirmed to have claimed two lives. Only later in the day did reports emerge that the dead were Joshua’s personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion, who suffered only minor injuries, was discharged from a hospital in Lagos on Wednesday afternoon and remained in Nigeria to recuperate before flying back to his hometown.
Prosecutors charged the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, with causing death by dangerous driving, careless and negligent driving, driving without due care and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The case was postponed to January 20.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria, Joshua’s vehicle collided with a truck parked on the side of the highway.
They also claimed that excessive speed and attempted overtaking were responsible for the accident, but the police commissioner of Ogun state later said: ESPN Joshua’s vehicle had a flat tire, causing the driver to lose control and “slide into the truck parked along the road.”
Video footage of the aftermath of the crash shows Joshua sitting in his mangled SUV, dazed and in pain. Ayodele and Ghami were pronounced dead at the scene.
Matchroom, which promotes 36-year-old Joshua and 258 MGT, shared a joint statement: “With deep sadness, it is confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away.
“Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG have confirmed that Anthony was injured in the accident and was taken to hospital for check-up and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”
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“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of those affected and we ask that their privacy be respected at this incredibly difficult time. There will be no further comment at this time.”
The accident came just 10 days after Joshua knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a fight in Miami.
The Briton defeated Paul in six rounds in his first fight since a knockout defeat by Daniel Dubois in September 2024. This was his 29th win in 33 professional fights.
