British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has found himself at the centre of a painful privacy breach, after a heartfelt conversation about a tragic car accident was recorded and shared online without his consent.
A Tragic Accident and a Private Conversation
The incident stems from a devastating crash on December 29 on Nigeria's Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Joshua, who was travelling to visit relatives in Sagamu for New Year celebrations, survived with minor injuries. However, his two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, were killed when their SUV collided with a stationary truck in Makun.
The following day, from his hospital bed, the 36-year-old boxer made a video call to UFC fighter and friend Kamaru Usman. During the emotional FaceTime conversation, Joshua explained the events and shared his grief, telling Usman the loss "still hasn’t sunk in" and "still hasn’t hit me yet".
An Unintentional Privacy Breach
Unbeknownst to both men, the private discussion was being recorded. Usman was backstage at his African Knockout championship event in Lagos on December 30, and amidst the filming preparations for the show, he forgot his conversation was being captured. The video later surfaced online, prompting a swift and apologetic response from the MMA star.
Usman took to social media platform X to accept full responsibility. "Being on camera that whole day... it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded," he wrote. "I take full responsibility for not properly watching the video that was released and keeping my private conversation with my brother AJ private. That’s not something I would ever do to a friend/brother." The video has since been removed.
Tributes and Legal Proceedings
Joshua, who has family roots in the Sagamu area near the crash site, later posted a moving tribute to his friends on Instagram. He described Ghami, his strength coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer, as "great men" and expressed his sorrow, particularly for their parents.
Meanwhile, legal action is underway in Nigeria. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver of the Lexus SUV, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with four offences, including dangerous driving causing death. He appeared at Sagamu Magistrate Court, with the case adjourned until January 20.
In the boxing world, promoter Eddie Hearn has emphasised that Joshua's wellbeing is the sole priority. "This is not the time for updates, this is not the time for careers," Hearn stated, dismissing any immediate discussions about the fighter's future in the ring. He fondly remembered Ghami and Ayodele as vital sources of energy and positivity within Joshua's inner circle, noting they were "much more than" just team members, but some of his "best mates".
