Anthony Joshua is still searching for words.
It has been exactly one month since a tragic car crash in Nigeria forever changed the life of the Olympic gold medalist and former two-time heavyweight champion. On December 29, 2025, the vehicle he was traveling in collided with a stationary truck on a major highway near Lagos, claiming the lives of two of his closest childhood friends and longtime team members: personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and strength and rehabilitation coach Sina Ghami.
Today (Thurs., Jan. 29, 2026) Joshua finally addressed the heartbreaking loss, releasing a tearful and deeply personal message to fans while reflecting on the accident and the men that he loved.
“This is the best way I could reach out to all of you, far and wide, worldwide, who were showing so much love, care, and support through that tragic, traumatic time where we lost Latz and Sina in Nigeria,” Joshua said on his YouTube channel. “The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami — we had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission. We went back home to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside down. It was an unforeseen circumstance completely out of our control.”
Joshua emphasized that the loss extended far beyond himself.
“Not only did their parents, uncles, cousins, friends, and myself lose two great men — we lost people who were major players in all of our lives,” he continued. “Major, major players. It’s tough. It’s really tough.”
While visibly emotional, Joshua made it clear he wasn’t interested in public judgment or speculation.
“I’m not gonna sit here and show all of my emotions. I know in today’s day and age it’s easy to analyze people and pass judgment, but I know what I thought, and I know how I feel,” Joshua said. “I know what my duty is. They were my brothers, my friends, first and foremost. Then we became business partners, we became hustlers, we became generals, we became everything. We became housemates who were living together — It’s a shame. It’s a shame. What can I say?”
In one of the most powerful moments of the message, Joshua spoke about mortality and finding comfort amid unimaginable loss.
“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. I didn’t even realize I was the big guy. I was walking with giants who protected me and shielded me. But the mission must go on.”
Joshua vowed to support the families of Ghami and Ayodele and continue the work they started together.
“My goal is to help their families and to help them achieve their goals, even though they may not be here in the physical,” Joshua said. “When I pray at night, when I pray in the morning, I know spiritually, they’re going to aid me through because it’s not just physical strength that will get me through. It’s going to take a lot, a lot of strength from the higher power. So I’m going to definitely be saying my prayers, and I’m going to help them fulfill their dreams for their families, not only me, there’s a whole team of us, a whole brotherhood.”
“I don’t want to say legacy — it ain’t about legacy,” Joshua concluded. “It’s about doing what’s right. And I know what’s right for them and their families. They were very important friends, very important team members — two of my brothers.”
Joshua is coming off a brutal sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul, but his future in boxing remains unclear. Rumors swirled that he could retire in the wake of the tragedy, though his words suggested he may not be finished just yet.
For now, Joshua’s focus remains on healing, honoring his friends, and doing what he believes is right.
