Boxing star Anthony Joshua paid tribute to his two close friends, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, who died in a collision in Nigeria that also left the former heavyweight champion injured
Anthony Joshua has paid a moving tribute to the two dear friends he lost in the devastating car crash that sent shockwaves through the boxing community, releasing an emotional statement.
Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami died in the collision in Nigeria, whilst Joshua was rushed to hospital with his injuries. The fighter had been on holiday in his parents’ homeland, following his victory over Jake Paul, when his car smashed into a stationary lorry on one of the country’s most dangerous roads.
Joshua’s driver was charged last week with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The former heavyweight champion has now returned to the United Kingdom and attended his friends’ funeral in London over the weekend.
“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men,” Joshua posted on Instagram.
“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
There had been speculation that Joshua might retire following the tragedy. It’s believed the 36-year-old has no plans to do so just yet, but when pressed for an update, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told talkSPORT that it’s premature to discuss his fighter’s future.
Hearn said: “I think to be honest at this stage, it’s definitely a no comment from us. Just because of the respect to Anthony.
“Obviously with everything he’s been through with the tragic loss of Sina and Latz. At the moment, Anthony needs time. Time and privacy. There will be no conversations from us about a career, any moves, what’s next.
“This is a terrible tragedy and Anthony’s going to need his own time, physically and emotionally.
“And at the moment, there’s nothing to discuss or say. Let’s give him his time and pray for him and of course all the families involved in this terrible incident.”
Joshua had been set to return to the ring as early as Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia. The former Olympic champion is also rumoured to be lined up for a long-awaited showdown with arch-rival Tyson Fury in September, after the Manchester fighter announced his comeback from a year-long break from boxing.
Following his triumph over Paul, Joshua issued a challenge to the Gypsy King. He said: “If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is, and he wants to put down his Twitter fingers and put on some gloves and come and fight one of the realest fighters out there that will take on any challenge, step into the ring with me next if you’re a real bad boy.
“Don’t do all that talking: ‘AJ this, AJ that’. Let’s see you in the ring and talk with your fists.”
In the aftermath of the horrific crash, a man purporting to be Joshua’s uncle revealed that the boxer had told his family he was considering hanging up his gloves for good. Adedamola Joshua revealed to The Punch in Nigeria: “The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally.” However, AJ has yet to make a decision on his future.