Anthony Joshua speaks publicly after losing two close friends in a Lagos car crash, thanking supporters and reflecting on life and loss

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has publicly thanked fans for their support following the deaths of two of his closest friends in a car crash, saying the experience has forced him to confront loss without fear.

Also read: Trial of Anthony Joshua friends’ driver adjourned to February

Joshua, 36, was involved in the accident on December 29 near Lagos while travelling with Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. The trio were passengers in a vehicle that collided with a stationary truck on a major road.

Ghami and Ayodele were pronounced dead at the scene, while Joshua sustained minor injuries and was assisted from the wreckage.

In a six-minute video shared on his social media platforms, Joshua acknowledged the global outpouring of support during what he described as a tragic and traumatic period.

He said the loss of the two men, who were integral members of his inner circle, had deeply affected him.

“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared at all,” Joshua said. “It’s actually comforting knowing I’ve got two brothers on the other side. I’ve lost people before, but not like this. My left and my right.”

Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer. Joshua said the trio had formed an unbreakable bond, living and working together as partners beyond the boxing ring.

“We became business partners. We became hustlers. We became lieutenants. We became generals. We became everything,” he said, reflecting on their shared journey.

Joshua acknowledged the pain felt by the families of the deceased, describing Ghami and Ayodele as major figures in the lives of many people.

He pledged to continue supporting their families and helping them achieve long-term goals in honour of the men he described as brothers.

“I’m sure their parents are proud of them because I am,” he added.

Following the accident, Adeniyi Kayode, the chauffeur who was driving the Lexus SUV, appeared before a Nigerian court and was charged with four offences, including causing death by dangerous driving.

Joshua has since returned to training, posting footage earlier this month of himself back in the gym, describing the session as “mental strength therapy”.

While he has not confirmed whether he will fight again, his promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed confidence that he will return when the time is right.

In contrast, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has suggested retirement may be imminent.

The boxer also expressed gratitude to several individuals and institutions for their support, including medical staff at Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi, President Bola Tinubu, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the governors of Lagos and Ogun states.