Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr has extended a heartfelt message of faith and comfort to British heavyweight Anthony Joshua, following a devastating car crash in Nigeria that killed two of Joshua's closest friends.
A Tragic Incident in Nigeria
The fatal road traffic accident occurred in December 2025. The vehicle was carrying Joshua's longtime friends and confidants, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif 'Latz' Ayodele. Both men, considered pillars of Joshua's inner circle for many years, lost their lives in the crash.
Jones Draws on Personal Tragedy to Offer Guidance
Speaking to Clubhouse Boxing, Roy Jones Jr shared advice on navigating profound grief, drawing from his own experience of loss. In 2023, Jones's eldest son, DeAndre, died by suicide, a tragedy the former four-weight world champion has discussed publicly in the context of faith and resilience.
In an emotional address, Jones emphasised that Joshua must not blame himself and encouraged him to place his trust in a higher power during an inexplicably difficult time. "You've got to leave it in God's hands," Jones said. "I know he's Muslim, so Inshallah. As hard as it is, you've got to let God do what God does. You can't control life. We are in God's world."
A Message of Release and Solidarity
Jones was clear that the deaths were not Joshua's fault. "Everything was out of your control," he stated. "You couldn't have saved them. We have to learn to control the things that God lets us control. We can't take responsibility for things He has decided."
He clarified that acknowledging faith does not lessen the pain, saying, "I don't want people to take what I said the wrong way... I just mean don't think it was his fault. He didn't do anything. He's not responsible. But of course, I am so sorry for the loss."
Reflecting on his son DeAndre's death, Jones spoke candidly about the enduring hurt. "It's the same as me with my kid," he shared. "I didn't want to see my kid go out. And it hurts. It really hurts. But only God knows why He took him." He added that his faith has been crucial in helping him continue living despite his grief.
Jones ended his message with a direct note of solidarity to the grieving heavyweight: "Be strong. Raise your head up and know everyone is behind you."
The tragedy has prompted a significant outpouring of sympathy for Anthony Joshua from across the world of sport and beyond, as he mourns the loss of two cherished friends.
