Anthony Joshua Gets Tattoos Honouring Friends Killed in Nigeria Crash
British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has paid a permanent tribute to two close friends who tragically died in a car accident in Nigeria last December. The 36-year-old fighter has had the names 'LATZ' and 'SINA' tattooed on his right bicep, honouring the memory of Latif 'Latz' Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The fatal incident occurred in December 2025 while Joshua was on holiday in Nigeria following his professional victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19. Ayodele and Ghami were killed when their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary lorry on a major expressway near Lagos. Joshua, who was in the vehicle at the time, sustained only minor injuries in the crash.
Latif 'Latz' Ayodele served as Joshua's personal trainer, while Sina Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach. Both men were described by Joshua as major figures in his life, with the boxer referring to them as "brothers," "friends," "business partners," and even "housemates" who lived together at times.
Emotional Tribute and Funeral Services
Joshua attended the funerals of both men in London last month before deciding to memorialise them with tattoos. The new ink was applied at Fulham Tattoo London in west London, with the studio sharing images of the process on social media.
"Huge thank you to two-time heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua for unexpectedly and unannounced walking through the door a few weeks ago for his first visit with us at Fulham Tattoo London… what a walk in!" the studio posted alongside photos of Joshua getting tattooed.
The names were tattooed underneath an existing outline of Africa on Joshua's right bicep, a meaningful placement given Joshua's heritage. Although born in Watford, England, both of Joshua's parents are Nigerian.
Joshua's Emotional Response
Following the accident, Joshua shared an emotional video on Instagram where he thanked fans for their support and reflected on the loss.
"The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami, we had so many plans to wrap up 2025," Joshua said in the video. "We went home, to see our families and everything got flipped on its head. That was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control."
He continued: "And not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself, lose two great men. We lost people that we dearly care about and have been major players in all of our lives, major, major players in all of our lives. It's tough. It's really tough."
Joshua added: "I'm not gonna sit here and show all of my emotions. I know in today's day and age, it's easy to analyse people, pass judgment, but I know what I thought, and I know how I feel. I know what my duty is. They were my brothers, my friends, first and foremost."
The boxer concluded with poignant words about their relationship: "You know, I've lost people before, but I don't think I've lost people throughout this journey that I've been on. It's like you think I'm the big guy but I was walking with giants. Protected."
The tattoos now serve as a permanent reminder of the two men who played significant roles in Joshua's personal and professional life, marking a heartfelt tribute from one of boxing's biggest stars to friends lost too soon.
