- British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries in a car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, 2025.
- Two close team members, Sina Ghami (strength and conditioning coach) and Kevin ‘Latif’ Ayodele (personal trainer), tragically died.
- Joshua is stable in hospital; preliminary reports cite excessive speed and overtaking as factors.
- The accident occurred days after Joshua’s knockout win over Jake Paul on December 19, 2025.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Anthony Joshua escaped serious harm in a fatal road accident in Nigeria’s Ogun State. The crash involved a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and four others colliding with a stationary truck on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway around 11:00 local time.
Nigerian authorities reported five adult males involved: two fatalities at the scene, Joshua with minor injuries requiring hospital observation, and two unhurt. Joshua, seated in the rear, was rescued by his security team.
Preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle exceeded speed limits and lost control during overtaking. The Federal Road Safety Corps emphasized such violations as leading causes of highway fatalities.
Joshua visited Nigeria to celebrate with family post his December 19 victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
Tributes to Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif’ Ayodele—long-time friends and vital team members—lost their lives. Ghami, Joshua’s strength coach for over a decade, co-founded Evolve Gym in London and worked with NFL/NBA athletes.
Ayodele served as personal trainer, often seen supporting Joshua ringside. Hours before, Joshua posted an Instagram story of them playing table tennis.
Matchroom Boxing confirmed: “Profound sadness… two close friends and team members have tragically passed away.” Eddie Hearn: “With the heaviest of hearts… Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz.”
Boxers like Chris Eubank Jr. and Jake Paul paid respects: “Genuinely good men… Rest in Peace.” Nigerian President Bola Tinubu called Joshua, offering condolences.
| Key Figures in Anthony Joshua’s Team Lost |
|---|
| Sina Ghami: Strength & Conditioning Coach (10+ years) |
| Kevin ‘Latif’ Ayodele: Personal Trainer |
The boxing community mourns Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif’ Ayodele after the December 29, 2025, crash. Joshua’s minor injuries allow focus on recovery amid profound grief.
Ghami’s decade-long partnership shaped Joshua’s physique for iconic fights, including Klitschko 2017 and Paul 2025. Ayodele’s dedication extended beyond training—friendship evident in recent social media.
Tributes highlight their character: “integral to the Joshua machine,” per experts. Evolve Gym closed December 30 in mourning.
Joshua’s Nigeria trip—roots in Sagamu area—turned tragic. Post-Paul knockout (sixth round, Miami), he sought family time.
Authorities investigate fully; speed/overtaking flagged preliminarily.
Joshua remains stable, receiving care. Promoter requests privacy for affected families.
This loss transcends sport: friends first, professionals second. Boxing unites in support for Joshua and bereaved.
