Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has broken his silence following the tragic loss of his close friends and associates Latif ‘Latzs’ Ayodele and Sina Ghami in a ghastly car accident in Nigeria, describing the moment as deeply painful while vowing to continue their shared mission.
In an emotional video posted on Instagram on Thursday, Joshua said he was overwhelmed by the global outpouring of support but admitted the loss had been devastating for everyone close to them.
“We lost people that we dearly care about and have been like, major, major players in all of our lives and it’s tough, it’s really tough,” he said.
Joshua explained that the tragedy occurred shortly after the group had reunited in Miami with plans to round off 2025 together, before returning home to Nigeria to see family.
“We were on a mission…we went back home, went to see our families and everything just got flipped upside on its head,” he said, adding, “God’s the best planner, we can’t plan.”
Describing his bond with the deceased, Joshua said their relationship went far beyond business.
“They’re my brothers, they’re my friends first and foremost and then we became business partners, we became hustlers, we became lieutenants, we became generals, we became everything, we became housemates, we were living together,” he said.
Despite the loss, the British-Nigerian boxer said he remains resolute about fulfilling what he believes is his responsibility to them and their families.
“The mission must go on, I understand my duty, I understand like what they wanted to do for their families,” Joshua said. “So what my goal is, is to continue to help them achieve their goals, even though they may not be here in the physical.”
Rejecting suggestions that the tragedy was about personal legacy, Joshua was emphatic.
“It ain’t about legacy, it’s just doing what’s right and I know that I’m going to do what’s right for them,” he said.
Joshua also acknowledged the scale of global support following the incident.
“We acknowledged the thousands and maybe going into millions around the world that showed so much love to them both,” he said, adding, “I’m sure their parents 100% are proud of them because I am.”
In a detailed caption accompanying the video, Joshua extended appreciation to first responders, medical staff at Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi, Nigerian and British officials, and several prominent individuals who assisted during the aftermath.
He wrote: “A short message from the heart. My brother’s keeper for life,” while thanking doctors, government officials, and business leaders for their “efforts, kindness, and support,” noting they “will never be forgotten.”
Joshua concluded his message by sending love to grieving families worldwide and reaffirming his commitment to stand by the families of Latz and Sina.
“This message is not only on behalf of me, this is on behalf of their families, we appreciate you so much,” he said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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