Anthony Joshua fought back tears as he opened up about the devastating loss of two of his closest friends, following a fatal road accident in Nigeria that has left him emotionally shaken but resolute.
In a six-minute video described as a “message from the heart,” Joshua reflected on the December 29 crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of his personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele, and his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami. The British boxer, who sustained minor injuries, was travelling with the pair when their SUV collided with a stationary truck. Both Ayodele and Ghami were pronounced dead at the scene, while images later emerged of Joshua being helped from the wreckage.
Speaking directly to the camera, the 36-year-old described the late duo as his “brothers,” admitting that the loss had changed his outlook on life and death. “One day my time will come, and I’m not scared at all,” Joshua said. “It’s actually comforting knowing I’ve got two brothers on the other side. I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that — my left and my right.”
Joshua thanked fans across the world for their overwhelming support during what he called a “tragic, traumatic time,” adding that his focus now is on honouring the memories of Ayodele and Ghami. “I know what I have got to do,” he said. “I’m going to do what is right by them and what is right by their families. It’s about what is important.” He revealed that he understands the dreams the pair had for their loved ones and vowed to continue helping their families achieve those goals.
While the boxer offered little clarity on his immediate future in the ring, he insisted that life’s purpose now outweighs legacy. “The mission must go on,” Joshua said. “It ain’t about legacy; it’s about doing what is right, and I know I am going to do what is right by them.”
The tragedy came just weeks after Joshua’s high-profile victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, a win that had kept him on course for a long-anticipated clash with Tyson Fury. With Fury now set to return to the ring against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, speculation has grown over whether Joshua might step away from boxing altogether. However, promoter Eddie Hearn has insisted the former champion will be given all the time he needs to grieve and recover.
Earlier this month, Joshua shared footage of himself back in the gym, describing the session as “mental strength therapy.” Yet, in his emotional address on Thursday, it was clear the scars left by the accident run far deeper than any physical injury.
“I’ve lost my brothers,” he said quietly. “And that’s something that stays with you forever.”
