British heavyweight boxing icon Anthony Joshua has been released from medical care in Nigeria following a devastating road accident that resulted in the deaths of two integral members of his personal team. The 36-year-old former world champion, described as ‘heavy hearted’ by officials, is now set to continue his recovery privately after being cleared by physicians.
The tragic incident occurred Monday on a major expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos, when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua as a passenger suffered a tire blowout before colliding with a stationary truck. The crash claimed the lives of Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both longstanding members of Joshua’s inner circle who had traveled with him to Nigeria following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19th.
Ghami served as Joshua’s dedicated sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for over a decade, while Ayodele was another trusted confidant within the boxer’s close-knit team. Following his hospital discharge Wednesday, Joshua visited the funeral home where preparations were underway to repatriate his friends’ remains to their families.
The boxing world has united in grief, with promoter Eddie Hearn posting an emotional tribute on Instagram: ‘Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed.’ Retired cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew expressed similar sentiments on social media, noting ‘there is no pain in life worse than grief.’
Ogun State police confirm investigations remain ongoing and discreet, with preliminary findings from the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency indicating mechanical failure preceded the collision. The boxing community, including champions Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, has flooded social media with support for Joshua and the families affected by this profound tragedy.