Former two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is currently in stable condition after surviving a high-speed vehicle collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria. While Joshua escaped with minor injuries, the boxing world is in mourning as the accident tragically claimed the lives of two of his longtime team members and closest friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Table of Contents
- The Incident: What Happened on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway?
- Remembering the Victims: Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
- Official Investigations and Safety Concerns
- Statements from the Global Boxing Community
- The Road to Recovery for AJ
1. The Incident: What Happened on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway?
The crash occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time on Monday. Anthony Joshua was traveling through Ogun Stateβhis ancestral homelandβjust ten days after his high-profile knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
According to reports from the Ogun State Police Command, Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV. The vehicle was traveling toward the commercial center of Lagos when it reportedly suffered a tire burst, causing the driver to lose control and collide with a stationary truck parked along the shoulder of the highway.
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— The Crux (@TheCruxnewsng) December 29, 2025
The crash reportedly claimed two lives. pic.twitter.com/J3y3Pc1Y9e
2. Remembering the Victims: Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
The tragedy is compounded by the loss of two men who were foundational to Joshuaβs career. Both were confirmed dead at the scene by authorities and promoter Matchroom Boxing.
| Name | Role | Professional Background |
| Sina Ghami | Strength & Conditioning Coach | 10-year veteran; worked with NFL and NBA stars. |
| Latif Ayodele | Personal Trainer | Long-term confidant; frequently seen in camp with AJ. |
Sina Ghami was a world-class exercise rehabilitation coach who had worked with Joshua for a decade. Latif “Latz” Ayodele was a personal trainer and one of Joshuaβs most trusted associates; he had posted a video of the two playing table tennis just hours before the fatal crash.
3. Official Investigations and Safety Concerns
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of Nigeria has launched a preliminary investigation. Their findings suggest that the vehicle may have been traveling above the legal speed limit during an overtaking maneuver.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has recently been flagged as one of the most dangerous roads in West Africa, with official statistics citing over 600 fatalities within a 27-month window. The combination of high speeds and stationary vehicles on the shoulder remains a critical safety issue for the region.
4. Statements from the Global Boxing Community
The news has prompted an outpouring of support from across the globe:
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences. I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.”
- Jake Paul: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone impacted by todayβs unfortunate accident.”
- Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Boxing): “They were great men and close friends. AJ is stable and will remain in the hospital for observation and checks.”
5. The Road to Recovery for AJ
Medical professionals from the Lagos and Ogun state governments confirmed that Anthony Joshua is clinically stable. While he is “wincing in pain” in social media footage taken during his rescue, his injuries are described as “minor bruises.”
Joshua has always been vocal about his Nigerian heritage, famously sporting an Africa-themed tattoo on his shoulder. He was visiting the country to reconnect with his roots in Sagamu and spend time with his family following his latest fight.
References and External Links:
- For official team statements, visit Matchroom Boxing.
- For updates on boxing schedules and athlete health, see ESPN Boxing.
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