Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time following a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close aides.
Joshua broke his silence in an emotional video shared on his YouTube channel on Thursday, weeks after the accident that occurred on December 29 along the Lagos–Ibadan expressway. The British boxer was a passenger in an SUV that collided with a stationary truck, sustaining minor injuries, while his long-time associates Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami were killed.
In the video, Joshua struggled to hold back tears as he described Ayodele and Ghami as his “brothers,” vowing to support their families and honour their legacy.
“I know what I have got to do. I’m going to do what is right by them and do what is right by their family,” Joshua said.
“It’s about what is important.”
He added that he understood the ambitions both men had for their families and pledged to continue helping them achieve those goals.
Ayodele served as Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach. Both died at the scene of the crash.
Joshua gave little indication of his immediate boxing plans but insisted that “the mission must go on,” stressing that his focus remains on doing what is right rather than chasing legacy.
The tragedy occurred weeks after Joshua defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, a victory that had kept him on course for a potential all-British heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury.
Fury has since announced his return to the ring and is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, casting uncertainty over the long-discussed bout with Joshua. Speculation has also emerged over whether the 36-year-old might consider retirement following the loss.
However, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said the boxer 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 sessions as “mental strength therapy.”
Reflecting on grief and mortality in his latest video, Joshua said the loss of Ayodele and Ghami was unlike anything he had experienced before.
“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared at all. It’s comforting knowing I’ve got two brothers on the other side,” he said.
“I’ve lost people before, but not like this — my left and my right.”
AFP