Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has led an outpouring of grief following a tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close members of Anthony Joshua's team, leaving the British heavyweight champion hospitalised with minor injuries.
The Fatal Incident on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The devastating collision occurred on the morning of Monday, 29 December 2025, along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, just outside Lagos. Reports confirm that a black Lexus Jeep, carrying Anthony Joshua and several members of his entourage, collided with a stationary red commercial Sinotruck.
The crash resulted in the deaths of two men identified as Kevin Ayodele, also known as Latz, and Sina Ghami. Both were described as close friends and integral members of Joshua's inner circle. Two other individuals in the vehicle are said to have escaped the incident without physical harm. Joshua himself was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the impact.
Heartfelt Tributes from the Boxing World
Eddie Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom Sport which promotes Anthony Joshua, was among the first to publicly honour the deceased. Taking to Instagram, Hearn shared an emotional message expressing the profound loss felt by Joshua's team and the wider boxing community.
"With the heaviest of hearts," Hearn wrote. "Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone."
Fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr also posted a tribute online, stating: "Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz and Sina and their families. I knew both...they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys."
Further Condolences from Friends and Fighters
The news prompted a wave of condolences across social media from other figures within the combat sports world. Misfits Boxing's Slim Albaher remembered Ayodele, saying: "I can't believe Latz was one of the guys involved...he was such a good soul and a supportive brother."
Fighter Mutah Beale offered prayers, commenting: "From Allah we belong to Allah we return, sad and shocking news about the death of our dear brother Abdul-Latif... May Allah have mercy on him." An emotional message from 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."
The accident has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, casting a shadow over the festive period. While Anthony Joshua's injuries are reported as minor, the loss of two key team members represents a profound personal and professional blow. The focus now turns to supporting the families of the deceased and Joshua's recovery in the wake of the tragedy on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
