Anthony Joshua, the renowned heavyweight boxer, has publicly memorialized his two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, who tragically died in a car crash in Nigeria. The incident occurred on December 29, 2025, near Lagos, while Joshua was on holiday following his victory against Jake Paul in Miami. Joshua, who sustained minor injuries himself, has since spoken out, expressing his grief and commitment to supporting the families of his late friends.

Details of the Incident
On December 29, 2025, a vehicle carrying Anthony Joshua, Sina Ghami, and Latif Ayodele collided with a stationary truck on a main road near Lagos, Nigeria. Both Ghami and Ayodele, described as integral members of Joshua's team and close friends since childhood, were pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, was on holiday in the country after his December 19th win in Miami. Nigerian authorities and Joshua's promoter confirmed the boxer suffered minor injuries and was released from the hospital on New Year's Eve.
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Tributes and Memorials
Joshua has honored his friends through various public tributes. He recently added their names, 'LATZ' and 'SINA', to his existing tattoo of Africa on his arm at a London tattoo parlor. He has also shared emotional messages and videos, including a YouTube video titled 'My Brothers Keeper For Life', thanking fans for their support during this traumatic time. He emphasized his commitment to supporting the families of Ghami and Ayodele and fulfilling their dreams. Memorial services were held in London for the two men.

Circumstances of the Crash
The SUV Joshua was traveling in reportedly collided with a truck parked on the hard shoulder. Some reports suggest the SUV may have experienced a tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver at high speed. The truck was confirmed to have been parked illegally. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with police reportedly searching for a man in his 30s who allegedly fled the scene.
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Personal Impact and Future
The loss has had a profound emotional impact on Joshua. He has spoken about the difficulty of processing the event and the deep bond he shared with Ghami and Ayodele, referring to them as his "brothers." Despite the personal tragedy, Joshua has indicated that his career will continue, stating "the mission must go on." He is reportedly recovering from his injuries and the trauma of the event.
Sources:
Daily Mail: Anthony Joshua gets touching tattoo tribute to friends killed in crash
Link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-15553905/anthony-joshua-tattoo-tribute-nigeria-crash.html?ito=1490&nscampaign=1490
Context: Reports on the tattoo tribute and Joshua's commitment to families.
Daily Mail: Anthony Joshua gets emotional as star pays tribute to his friends
Link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-15509765/Anthony-Joshua-breaks-tears-boxing-star-pays-tribute-two-close-friends-killed-car-crash-emotional-video-month-tragic-incident-Nigeria-thanks-public-support.html
Context: Details Joshua's emotional response and public thanks.
Sky News: Anthony Joshua pays tribute to friends killed in Nigeria crash
Link: https://news.sky.com/story/anthony-joshua-pays-tribute-to-friends-killed-in-nigeria-crash-13500819
Context: Provides details on the crash location and Joshua's holiday context.
CNN: British boxer Anthony Joshua injured in car crash that killed two close friends in Nigeria
Link: https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/29/africa/anthony-joshua-boxer-car-crash-nigeria-intl
Context: Confirms Joshua's minor injuries and identifies the friends.
Black America Web: Anthony Joshua Breaks Silence On Fatal Crash With Tribute To Late Friends
Link: https://blackamericaweb.com/2026/01/09/anthony-joshua-tribute-friends-dead-crash/
Context: Reports on Joshua breaking his silence with an emotional tribute.
Sky Sports: Anthony Joshua pays emotional tribute to friends who died in crash: 'The mission must go on'
Link: https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/13500791/anthony-joshua-pays-emotional-tribute-to-friends-who-died-in-crash-the-mission-must-go-on
Context: Highlights Joshua's statement about continuing his mission and his own recovery.
Sky Sports: Anthony Joshua posts first pictures since car crash that killed close friends in Nigeria
Link: https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/13490235/anthony-joshua-posts-first-pictures-since-car-crash-that-killed-close-friends-in-nigeria
Context: Covers Joshua's social media activity post-crash and memorial services.
BBC News: Anthony Joshua's promoters say two team members killed in Nigeria crash that injured boxer
Context: Initial confirmation of the incident and its impact on Joshua.
BBC Sport: Anthony Joshua pays emotional tribute in new YouTube video
Link: https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/c4g0y415qlko
Context: Details the content and message of Joshua's YouTube tribute video.
SportBible: Anthony Joshua Pays Incredible Tribute To Two Friends Killed in Car Crash
Link: https://www.sportbible.com/boxing/boxing-news/anthony-joshua-car-crash-death-statement-336594-20260108
Context: Focuses on Joshua's first statement and the roles of his friends.
LBC: Anthony Joshua pays tribute to 'brothers' killed in Nigeria car crash
Link: https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/anthony-joshua-car-crash-tribute-5HjdQQX2/
Context: Provides specific details about the vehicle, location, and potential cause of the crash.
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