Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, was injured, as two of his team were killed in a car crash near Lagos in Nigeria, his promoter Matchroom says.
The two, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, were also close friends of Joshua. Matchroom also said that the boxer was in a "stable condition" and will remain in Nigeria for observation. Officials suspect Joshua's vehicle crashed into a stationary lorry while overtaking at speed - footage revealed shows Joshua grimacing as he is rescued from the car.
Both Ghami and Ayodele worked closely with Joshua, and they were all good friends. A witness said that the car crashed into a truck that had broken down on the side of the road. The Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria says the car - a Lexus Jeep - was suspected of travelling over the speed limit and crashed while overtaking.
Officials say five people were involved in the crash; two people died, while Joshua was rescued alive with minor injuries, and two others were unhurt. The boxer was travelling from Lagos to the family home, according to a relative. Just hours before the crash, Joshua posted an Instagram story of him and Latif Ayodele - known as Latz, playing table tennis.
Latif, a personal trainer, had several photos of himself with Joshua on his Instagram, whilst Ghami specialised in sports rehabilitation and injury prevention, according to his social media. Spending most of the last year in the land of his family, he posted a story from Lagos before the crash. Responding to the news on Radio 5 Live, boxing expert Steve Bunce said: "He does something that’s really interesting, once he’s there he’s in shorts, flip flops and a T-shirt... he blends in, and he’s talked about that quite openly."
He also described seeing videos of the former two-time heavyweight champion in pain as he was helped out of a wrecked SUV following the fatal crash as "harrowing". Joshua – who was said to have got minor injuries - has family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State. A full statement from Matchroom Boxing, Anthony Joshua's promoter read: ‘Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria.
‘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. The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has offered his sympathies to Anthony Joshua.
In a statement posted to X, he said: "This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season.
“I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.
“I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed." YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul, who Joshua recently beat in the ring, added his comments, saying: "Life is much more important than boxing".
