Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has paid a moving tribute to two of his close friends who lost their lives in a fatal car crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State late last year, describing the period as an extremely difficult one for him.
The victims, identified as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, died in the accident, which occurred on December 29. Joshua survived the crash.
The boxer shared his emotions in a heartfelt post on Instagram on Thursday, shortly after a video of his emotional conversation with former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman began circulating online.
In the post, Joshua reflected on the bond he shared with the deceased and the pain their loss has caused, noting that the grief is even heavier for their parents.
“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men. 100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents ❤️ I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers,” he wrote.
In the video posted by Usman on Wednesday, Joshua admitted that the full weight of the tragedy had not yet settled in. The conversation took place ahead of a mixed martial arts event held in Lagos on December 30.
“It still hasn’t sunk in. It still hasn’t hit me yet,” Joshua said.
Speaking further on the unpredictability of life, he added, “Life is short, man. Life is short. And now look, I get to speak with you for the first time.”
Joshua had earlier broken his silence by sharing photos with members of the bereaved families on Instagram. The post was captioned “My Brothers Keeper,” accompanied by heart emojis and a military helmet symbol, signifying protection and solidarity. The phrase draws from Genesis 4:9, underscoring a sense of moral responsibility toward others.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has disclosed that the 36-year-old boxer is seriously weighing the option of stepping away from professional boxing.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally,” he told *The PUNCH* during a visit to the family home in Sagamu on Monday, January 6.
“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest. All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
