Anthony Joshua has been released from hospital less than three days after being involved in a road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close associates.
The former heavyweight champion is now recuperating at his residence in Nigeria, according to a joint statement issued late Wednesday by the Lagos and Ogun state governments.
The 36-year-old boxer was seated in the back of a vehicle when it collided with a stationary truck on a major highway near Lagos.
Two of his friends, Kevin “Latif” Ayodele and Sina Ghami, died in the crash.
Ayodele worked as Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami served as his strength and conditioning coach.
The statement said Joshua sustained minor injuries and, accompanied by his mother, visited a funeral home on Wednesday afternoon to pay his respects to the deceased.
“Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon though heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home,” the statement, posted on X, read.
The statement also thanked the doctors and medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi who treated Joshua and others injured in the incident.
It added: “The quality of care and professionalism is truly commendable.”
Joshua, who has Nigerian roots, had been in the country to celebrate his recent bout against Jake Paul.
Following a 15-month layoff, Joshua returned to the ring with a sixth-round knockout victory over the YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami on December 19.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute to Ayodele, also known as Latz, and Ghami in a post on Instagram, writing: “Rest in peace Latz and Sina.
Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed.
“Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”
In Sagamu, Ogun State, where members of Joshua’s family reside, residents reacted with shock to the news of the crash.
Adedamola Joshua, the uncle of Anthony Joshua’s father, told The Associated Press: “All the people are very close with him [Joshua] and he is very free among the people. So it was a great shock for us.”
Another Sagamu resident, Oluwatoyin Omoleye, said he was “so sad because Anthony was coming home to celebrate with our people here”.
