FORMER world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has broken weeks of public silence after a tragic car crash in Nigeria claimed the lives of two of his closest aides, describing the loss as devastating and emotional while vowing to honour their memories and support their families.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports Joshua spoke on camera for the first time since the accident in a heartfelt video posted on his YouTube channel on Thursday, where he struggled to hold back tears while reflecting on the deaths of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, members of his long-standing backroom team whom he described as his “brothers.”
The fatal crash occurred on December 29, along the busy Lagos–Ibadan expressway, when an SUV conveying Joshua and his team collided with a stationary truck. Joshua, who was a passenger in the vehicle, sustained minor injuries, while Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene.
“I know what I have got to do,” Joshua said, speaking directly into the camera.
“I’m going to do what is right by them, do what is right by their family, and it is about what is important.”
Joshua said he deeply understood what both men had hoped to achieve for their families and pledged to continue supporting their loved ones.
“I understand what they wanted to do for their families, and my mission is to help them achieve their goals,” he said.
Ayodele served as Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach, both playing key roles in the boxer’s career and personal life. Their deaths sent shockwaves through the boxing community and prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow fighters.
Although Joshua offered little clarity on his immediate boxing future, he insisted that life and purpose must continue despite the pain.
“The mission must go on,” he said.
“It ain’t about legacy. It’s just about doing what is right, and I know I am going to do what is right by them.”
The accident came just weeks after Joshua defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, a victory that kept him on course for a potential blockbuster showdown with long-time rival Tyson Fury.
However, Fury has since announced his own return to the ring and is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, leaving the fate of the highly anticipated all-British clash with Joshua uncertain. Speculation has also grown that Joshua could consider retirement in the wake of the tragedy.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said the 36-year-old boxer would be given all the time he needs to grieve and recover emotionally before making any career decisions.
Earlier this month, Joshua shared footage of himself returning to the gym, describing the session as “mental strength therapy.” In Thursday’s video, he reflected on grief, faith, and mortality in deeply personal terms.
“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared at all,” he said.
“It’s actually comforting knowing that 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.”