Anthony Joshua posted a video of him and a friend playing ping pong just hours before the fatal crash in Nigeria that killed two, including the friend in the video, and hospitalized the former boxing champion.
Joshua’s video showed him competing against friend Latif Ayodele, who died in the horrifying crash that also claimed the life of fellow fried and teammate Sina Ghami.
“Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today,” Matchroom Boxing said in a statement Monday. “With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
“Mathroom Boxing and 258BXG 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.”
Joshua, 36, had been traveling in the back seat of a Lexus with his friends in Nigeria when a tire on the vehicle burst, resulting in the driver losing control and crashing into a stationary vehicle, Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogulowo said to ESPN.
The Federal Road Safety Corps stated on X that “preliminary findings” indicated that Joshua’s vehicle had been speeding and attempted an “overtaking” maneuver prior to crashing, stating the two “constitute serious traffic violations.”
Photos emerged sowing a destroyed vehicle, along with a shirtless Joshua in the back seat with glass shards around him before he would be taken to a hospital.
One eye witness told a Nigerian outlet that Shami and Ayodele died “on the spot.”
Joshua visited Nigeria alongside his friends shortly after knocking out Jake Paul in the sixth round of a much-publicized fight earlier this month in Miami.
Matchroom Boxing’s statement identified Ghami and Ayodele as team members, and Ayodele’s Instagram profile showcased behind-the-scenes shots from training sessions and more.
His last post from Dec. 27 featured a montage with the caption: “In between your goals, remember there’s a precious thing called life that you need to enjoy.”
Ayodele, whose Instagram account states that he was a personal trainer and fitness model, also posted roughly one week ago a picture of him and Joshua flexing shirtless.
Ghima’s Instagram account listed him as a strength and condition coach for TeamAJ, and his last post showcased him helping Joshua stretch and posing for candid shots from the Paul bout.
“Levels still matter,” he captioned the collage.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
