Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to Britain following a tragic automobile accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his training team earlier this week.
The crash occurred Monday on a major roadway near Lagos when the vehicle carrying Joshua and his companions struck a stationary truck. Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, and Latif Ayodele, a trainer known as “Latz,” died in the collision.
Joshua sustained minor injuries in the accident and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Medical personnel released the two-time heavyweight champion on Wednesday after determining he was clinically fit to continue his recovery at home. British media outlets confirmed Saturday that Joshua has returned to Britain ahead of funeral services for Ghami and Ayodele.
The fatal crash occurred nine days after Joshua defeated YouTube personality Jake Paul in a non-title bout held in Miami. Just hours before the accident, Joshua and Ayodele had posted video clips on social media showing the two playing table tennis together, a poignant reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike.
Nigerian authorities have moved swiftly in their investigation of the incident. The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was charged Friday with dangerous and reckless driving. The court has adjourned the case to January 20 for trial proceedings.
Joshua maintains deep connections to Nigeria through his family heritage. The British boxer briefly attended boarding school in the West African nation during his childhood and holds dual nationality with both Britain and Nigeria. These ties have kept him connected to the country throughout his professional boxing career, making the tragedy all the more personal for the champion.
The loss of Ghami and Ayodele represents a significant blow to Joshua’s professional circle. Strength and conditioning coaches play crucial roles in preparing elite athletes for the physical demands of professional boxing, while trainers like Ayodele work closely with fighters on technique and strategy. Beyond their professional relationships, the social media posts from just before the accident suggest the three men shared genuine friendship.
The boxing community has not yet issued widespread public statements regarding the tragedy, though such responses typically follow as details emerge and families request privacy during their grieving process.
As Joshua returns home to Britain, questions remain about how this tragedy will affect his boxing career and future plans. The champion will undoubtedly need time to process the loss of two close friends and colleagues before considering his next steps in the ring.
The investigation into the crash continues in Nigeria, with authorities working to determine the full circumstances that led to the collision with the stationary truck.
Related: Security Concerns Keep Trump and Vance Apart During Venezuelan Military Operation
