Ex- world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua fought back tears while speaking publicly for the first time about the tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close allies.
Recall that Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, and his strength coach, Sina Ghami, died on December 29 after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a stationary truck on a highway in Lagos.
The boxer sustained minor injuries in the accident and was hospitalised but was discharged two days later. 
In an emotional video message shared on his YouTube channel on Thursday, the 36-year-old thanked fans across the world for their support during what he described as a “tragic, traumatic time.”
“The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025,” Joshua said.
“We went home to see our families, and everything just flipped on its head. That was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control.”
He said the loss of Ayodele and Ghami had left a deep void in his life.
“We lost two great men. People we really cared about, major players in all of our lives. It’s tough. It’s really tough,” he added.
‘I was walking with giants’
Joshua described the duo as more than just members of his team.
“They were my brothers, my friends first and foremost. Then we became business partners, hustlers, generals — everything. We even lived together,” he said.
I know people think I’m the big guy, but I was walking with giants. Protected.”
The boxer said he was choosing not to publicly display all his emotions but acknowledged the pain of the loss.
Joshua expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans worldwide, noting that the messages of condolence had been received and appreciated by the families of the deceased.
“We saw the messages, the tweets, the social media posts, the prayers. It’s all been acknowledged,” he said.
He also pledged to stand by the families of Ayodele and Ghami.
“We know what we’re going to do. Mumma Latz, Mumma Sina, Pappa Latz, Pappa Sina — one love,” he said.
