Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is recovering after being involved in a devastating road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The incident occurred on Monday, 29 December 2025, on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Joshua was a passenger in the back of a black Lexus Jeep travelling from Lagos to Sagamu when it collided with a stationary Sinotruck. The boxer escaped with minor injuries, but his friends, Kevin 'Latz' Ayodele and Sina Ghami, were tragically killed.
Initial reports from Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggested the Jeep was speeding and crashed during an overtaking manoeuvre. However, the investigation has since progressed.
Police Theory: Tyre Failure Caused by Speed
Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi of Nigeria's Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps has provided a new preliminary finding. He stated that the fatal crash was triggered when the Lexus "experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed" before losing control.
Footage circulated online in the aftermath showed a dazed Joshua sitting in the damaged vehicle amidst shattered glass. He was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
National Response and Personal Tributes
Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, personally contacted both Joshua and his mother, Yeta Odusanya, to offer his condolences. Tinubu relayed that the 36-year-old athlete assured him he was receiving excellent care.
"I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates," the President said. "He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital." Tinubu also spoke with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital.
The boxing world has been united in grief. Joshua's long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, paid tribute, saying: "With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz." Fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr added: "Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz and Sina and their families."
Friends have left floral tributes outside the Evolve gym in Colindale, London, which was owned by Sina Ghami.
