Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has spoken emotionally about the tragic loss of two of his closest friends, Latz and Sina, following a fatal car crash in Nigeria late last year.
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Joshua, 36, was involved in the accident on December 29, 2025, while travelling in an SUV along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The vehicle reportedly collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside. While Joshua sustained only minor injuries and was treated in hospital, two of his companions — Sina Ghami and Kevin Ayodele, known affectionately as Latz — were pronounced dead at the scene.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, a visibly emotional Joshua addressed fans worldwide, thanking them for the support he has received since the incident.
Fighting back tears, the British boxing star described the pair as more than friends, calling them “brothers” who played major roles in his personal and professional life.
“This is the best way I could reach out to everyone who has shown so much love and support through this tragic time where we lost Latz and Sina,”
Joshua said. “We had so many plans. We were on a mission, and everything just got turned upside down.”
Joshua explained that the loss has deeply affected him, noting that the men were not only close companions but also trusted partners who shared his journey.
He reflected on their bond, saying they evolved from friends to business partners and ultimately became family.
“It’s really tough,” he added. “Not only did their parents and families lose great men, but I lost people who were my left and my right.”
Despite the grief, Joshua said he is determined to continue pushing forward, inspired by the memory of his late friends and what they hoped to achieve for their families.
He revealed that faith has played a key role in helping him cope with the tragedy.
“The mission must go on,” Joshua said. “I understand my duty, and I know what they wanted to do. I’ll continue to pray and help fulfil their dreams, even though they are no longer here physically.”
The tragedy drew widespread sympathy from the boxing community, with promoters, fellow fighters and fans offering condolences.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, had earlier paid tribute to the deceased, describing them as “good men taken far too soon.”
As Joshua continues to process the loss, he made it clear that the memory of his friends will remain a source of strength as he moves forward in both life and boxing.
