By Harshit
LAGOS, DECEMBER 30 —
British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is recovering in hospital after being injured in a serious car crash in southwestern Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his close support team.
Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a stationary commercial truck on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway in Ogun State on Monday afternoon. Two of his longtime associates — strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele — were pronounced dead at the scene.
Joshua was transported to a medical facility in Lagos, where he remains in stable condition under observation.
Matchroom Confirms Deaths, Joshua Stable
In a statement, Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promotional company, confirmed the fatalities and said the boxer was receiving medical care.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected,” the statement read. “Anthony is in a stable condition and will remain in hospital for checks and treatment.”
Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn paid tribute to the two men killed in the crash, describing them as “two great men” who were integral to Joshua’s career.
Crash Details Under Investigation
According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps, the collision occurred around midday local time and involved a black Lexus SUV and a stationary red commercial truck parked along the roadside.
Preliminary findings suggest the vehicle Joshua was travelling in may have been exceeding the speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before striking the truck. A comprehensive investigation has been launched by authorities.
Joshua and the vehicle’s driver were rescued by the boxer’s security team and evacuated to a specialised hospital in Lagos. Video from the scene showed Joshua being assisted from the rear of the damaged SUV.
Tributes Pour In for Ghami and Ayodele
Boxing analyst Steve Bunce described Ghami and Ayodele as “two of Joshua’s closest friends” and “massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine.”
Ghami had worked as Joshua’s full-time strength and conditioning coach for over a decade, helping prepare him for some of the biggest fights of his career. Ayodele served as Joshua’s personal trainer and travelled with him regularly.
Only hours before the crash, Joshua had shared a video on social media showing himself and Ayodele playing table tennis in Lagos.
National and International Reaction
Nigeria’s president Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he personally spoke with Joshua to offer condolences and wish him a full recovery.
“AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care,” Tinubu said in a public statement.
American boxer Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated earlier this month, also reacted, saying that “life is much more important than boxing” and offering prayers for those affected.
A Personal Connection to Nigeria
Joshua, 36, was born in Watford but has deep family roots in Ogun State, including the town of Sagamu, where he was reportedly travelling to join relatives for New Year celebrations. He has spent time in Nigeria following his recent bout and serves as a sports ambassador in the region.
Plans are already underway to build an indoor boxing venue in Ogun named in his honour.
Ongoing Recovery
Local officials confirmed Joshua was conscious, stable, and in contact with his family following the crash. A relative told local media that the incident came as a “shock” and that the family is praying for his recovery while mourning the loss of Ghami and Ayodele.
Authorities say updates will be provided as the investigation continues.