The identity of Anthony Joshua’s close friends who died following a fatal road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, on Monday have been confrimed.
WuzupNigeria had reported that the 36-year-old former world heavyweight champion was involved in a fatal car crash on Monday along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, around the Makun axis of Ogun State, while reportedly travelling from Lagos to his hometown of Sagamu . The accident claimed the lives of two occupants in the vehicle.
Confriming the victims’identities, the boxing star’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, revealed that the two members of Joshua’s inner circle who died in the fatal road accident were Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both longtime associates who had worked closely with Joshua over the years.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Matchroom Boxing described the loss as devastating, noting that both men were not only key members of Joshua’s team but also personal friends. The organisation added that its thoughts and prayers were with their families and loved ones.
“With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away,” the organisation said in a social media post, adding:
“Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of Sina and Latz. RIP” — Matchroom Boxing on X (formerly Twitter)
The promotion company also disclosed that Joshua sustained injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care.
In the same vein, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also confrimed the identities of the victims while expressing deep sorrow an consolation over the death of Ayodele, and Ghami. He revealed that he had a telephone conversation with the boxer and wished him speedy recovery.
“I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care. I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.
“Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention. May God strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed.”
Who was Latif “Latz” Ayodele
Kevin Ayodele — widely known as Latif or Latz — was Anthony Joshua’s personal trainer and close friend, a key figure in the boxer’s preparation and fitness routine. He was part of Joshua’s inner circle, responsible for helping manage his training, physical conditioning and overall wellbeing. Ayodele was also known for his motivational approach to fitness and had a strong social media presence under the handle “@healthy_mindset.”
Hours before the deadly crashm the boxers, the boxer share an Instagram story of him and Latif Ayodele – known as Latz having a memorable time playing table tennis at a destination suspected to have been Lagos State before embarking on the ill-fated journey.
Latif was a devouted Muslim, had several photos of himself with Joshua on his Instagram.
About Sina Ghami
Sina Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, specialising in physical performance, rehabilitation and athlete endurance. He was also co-founder of Evolve Gym in the UK and had worked with Joshua for several years, including in training camps for high-profile fights. Ghami was deeply trusted by Joshua and played a central role in keeping him in peak competitive form.
BBC reports that Ghami is a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator who specialises in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise who specialised in sports rehabilitation and injury prevention, had shared social media posts from Lagos shortly before the crash and frequently posted photos with Joshua. Ghami had worked with athletes across several sports, including the National Football League, National Basketball Association and the Michigan State University football team.
Ghami was by his side throughout fight week in Miami, and joined him in the ring after his win over Paul, accoridng to the BBC.
