British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday morning that killed two of his close friends, his camp has confirmed. The former world champion sustained minor injuries and is in a stable condition in hospital.
The accident occurred at about 11am on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when Joshua's Lexus SUV hit a stationary vehicle, according to Ogun state police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo. The driver of Joshua's vehicle was also injured.
An official spokesman for 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.' Ghami acted as strength and conditioning coach while Ayodele was a trainer in Joshua's camp.
Nigeria's federal road safety corps said preliminary findings indicated the Lexus Jeep was travelling beyond the speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, crashing into a stationary truck. The agency said excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were the primary causes.
Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered condolences, saying he had spoken with Joshua. Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn also paid tribute, writing on social media: 'With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz.'
Joshua, 36, has family ties in Sagamu, near the crash site. He recently defeated YouTuber Jake Paul in a boxing match and was expected to face Tyson Fury next year.
