The two men who died in a car crash which Anthony Joshua was involved in on Monday have been named as Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The 36-year-old two-time heavyweight boxing champion was also taken to hospital for treatment with minor injuries.
The news emerged earlier today that Joshua had been in a car crash alongside four others on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria explained in their preliminary findings that the incident involved a black Lexus Jeep, in which Joshua was travelling as a passenger, collided with a stationary red commercial Sinotruck, and that five adult males in total were involved in the collision.
A statement from an official spokesperson for Anthony Joshua said: “It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele.
“Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.
“We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news.”
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The FRSC added that the Jeep, "which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit," lost control while overtaking and crashed into the stationary truck which was parked by the side of the road.
As a result, Ayodele - otherwise known as Latz - and Ghami died, while Joshua was taken to hospital for treatment. Two other men in the car survived the crash without harm. And in the hours since the accident, a number of people have taken to social media to share tribute to the pair of late friends of Joshua.
Chris Eubank Jr wrote: "Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both...they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys."
OnestoplistDubai added: "May Allah forgive you for your shortcomings and grant you the highest level of paradise. Ameen. Nothing but good memories when we were together.
"My condolences go out to your family and loved ones Sina @258mgt @anthonyjoshua. A gentle reminder to all the brothers and sisters. From him we came and to him we will return. Now at peace, Sina."
Elsewhere, Tam Khan wrote on X: "Prayers with both their families during this devastating time," while sharing photos of both men. Joshua's most recent opponent, Jake Paul, also took to X to say: "Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident."
Paul later added: "RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin 'Latif / Latz' Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ."
Badou Jack also took to Instagram to write: "Still in shock! Inna lillahi wa inna lilayhi rajioon. May Allah forgive you for your shortcomings and grant you the highest level of paradise @healthy_mindset."
Mutah Beale also wrote on the platform: "From Allah we belong to Allah we return, sad and shocking news about the death of our dear brother Abdul-Latif resulting from a car crash, May Allah have mercy on him and grant him Jannah, and May Allah make this difficult time easy for his family. We also wish a speedy recovery for the champ."
Misfits Boxing star Slim Albaher also gave a touching tribute, adding: "Sending prayers for Anthony Joshua and for the two brothers who tragically passed away in the car accident. I can’t believe Latz was one of the guys involved...he was such a good soul and a supportive brother. Allah Yerhamu, may Allah grant Latz and Sina Jannah."
Eddie Hearn also added: "Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today. With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
"Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG 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. No further comment will be made at this time."
Ayodele worked as Joshua's personal trainer but is also understood to have been the boxer's closest friend.
Ghami, meanwhile, operated as AJ's strength and conditioning coach.
He was spotted by Joshua's side helping him prepare for his Miami showdown with Paul on Saturday, December 19.
The Co-fonder of Evolve Gym, Ghami was a part of Team Joshua for more than a decade, having also worked with Le'Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.