The identities of two people who died in a car crash involving boxer Anthony Joshua have been confirmed.
Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, two close friends of the former Olympian and team mates, died in the crash which took place earlier today. Matchroom Boxing and 258BXG, the promoter that represents Joshua, confirmed the news on social media, along with a devastated message of condolence.
They wrote: “Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today.
“With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
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“Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment.
“He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected - and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.
“No further comment will be made at this time."
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The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear, but one eyewitness, named Adeniyi Orojo, spoke to Punch following the incident and described the tragic scene.
He said: "It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him.
"There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.
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"Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived. The passenger beside the driver and Joshua died on the spot."
Since the news was announced, messages of condolence have been flooding in for the two victims in the crash, along with warm wishes for a speedy recovery to Joshua who remains in hospital.
Fans were particularly heartbroken by the loss of Latif, who shared a poignant message on Instagram just three days before his death urging others to not take life for granted.
He wrote: “In between your goals, remember there’s a precious thing called life that you need to enjoy.”
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It was this post in particular that left many of his fans in tears, with one writing: “What a powerful last post. Rest easy in paradise.”
Another agreed, adding: “A good solid kind guy who always had a smile every time I saw him. This is unreal. Sending lots of love to his family and friends all over the world.”
Originally known as Kevin Ayodele, he played soccer for Aylesbury United, Tooting & Mitcham United, Hillingdon Borough, AFC Hayes, Chalfont Wasps and Northwood. But he later converted to Islam and went by the name Latif Ayodele and Abdul Latif – AKA Latz.
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After swapping the UK for Dubai, he established a successful career as a personal trainer and fitness influencer, and was posting uplifting advice and insights to his followers in the days running up to his death.
Sina meanwhile was Joshua’s longtime strength and conditioning coach, and also died in Monday’s crash. Often spotted on social media training Joshua in the gym, he was even present at the boxer’s Netflix fight two weeks ago, supporting him in his corner as he faced off against Jake Paul.
The trainer is believed to have joined up with Team AJ out in Lagos this morning.
With tributes pouring in for both men, it was a heartfelt memory from Rob Madden, the former Team GB staffer and physio to Joshua that resonated perhaps the most strongly.
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He wrote on Instagram: “I spent so much time with you both over the years and every memory is a reminder of just how much heart you carried.
“Every time Sina called, he never went straight to business. He always checked in first. Asked about my family. Made sure I was good. That was just who he was. A huge heart, always.
“Latz was pure positivity. Someone who lifted the room just by walking into it. One of the first of AJ’s close team I met back in 2013 and a person I genuinely enjoyed being around. Solid and loyal.
“I will miss you both. The energy you brought. The laughs. The presence. The way you treated people.
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“Thank you for the time, the memories, and the impact you made on all of us.”
Topics: Anthony Joshua, Boxing
Phoebe Tonks