Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was visibly emotional, fighting back tears as he reflected on the pain of losing two close friends in a recent road accident in Nigeria.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Thursday, Joshua revisited the fatal crash that occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, which claimed the lives of Kevin Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach.
Joshua was also in the Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on the expressway but escaped with minor injuries.
In the emotional video, the boxer expressed gratitude to fans and well-wishers across the world for their messages of support following the tragedy.
He explained that the journey to Nigeria with Latif and Ghami had begun on a joyful note before “everything just got flipped upside on its head”.
The 36-year-old described the late duo as his “lieutenants, general”, noting that they were not only key members of his team but also his protectors.
“I could reach out to all of you far and wide, worldwide who are showing so much love, care, support through that tragic, traumatic time where we lost Latz and Sina in Nigeria,” Joshua said.
“We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission… We went back home, went to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside on its head.”
Calling them brothers and close friends, Joshua revealed that they had lived together and shared a deep bond beyond work.
“They’re my brothers, they’re my friends first and foremost.
“We became housemates, we were living together.”
Joshua also said he is no longer afraid of death, drawing comfort from the belief that “I’ve got two brothers on the other side”.
He pledged to honour their memories by supporting their families and continuing their legacy.
“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared either at all. It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side,” he said.
“The mission must go on… I understand my duty.
“I’m gonna do what’s right by them. I’m gonna do what’s right by their family.”
Click the link to watch the video.