Anthony Joshua releases statement after crash tragedy killed two friends

Anthony Joshua’s statement in full after SUV crash tragedy that killed two pals of boxer on ‘Nigeria’s deadliest road’

ANTHONY Joshua has released an official statement in the wake of the tragic car collision that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.

The fatal accident saw Joshua, 36, rushed to hospital after the Lexus SUV he was travelling in lost control while trying an overtake at high speed, officials have claimed.

Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both close friends with the former heavyweight world champion and believed to be in their mid-30s, tragically died in the horror smash.

Joshua, Ayodele and Ghami were all in the Lexus SUV, which was being driven by a local hired driver, when it crashed into a stationary truck on the notoriously dangerous Lagos-Ibadan highway in Nigeria.A statement from an official spokesperson for Anthony Joshua said: “Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today.

“With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.

“Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment.  “He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.

Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.

“No further comment will be made at this time.”  Joshua was left with minor injuries and rushed to a medical facility in Lagos after the crash.

The most recent update from the Ogun State Government said Anthony Joshua is conscious and has been in touch with his family.  “Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos.

“Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time.  “A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely,” the statement says.

Both Ayodele and Ghami, who were pronounced dead at the scene, were travelling with Joshua, who is believed to have landed in the country on Sunday for a week-long holiday.  Five men were in the Lexus at the time of the crash and two passengers reportedly “escaped unhurt”.

Ayodele, a personal trainer who goes by Healthy Mindset online, was an old friend of Joshua’s – stretching back long before his superstar boxing career.

His first post on Instagram featured Joshua back in 2015 after he won his first world title against Charles Martin.  Hours before the crash, the boxer posted a video on Instagram of the pair playing table tennis together.

Originally Kevin Ayodele, Latif played football for Aylesbury United, Tooting & Mitcham United, Hillingdon Borough, AFC Hayes, Chalfont Wasps and Northwood.

But he converted to Islam and went by the name Latif Ayodele and Abdul Latif – AKA Latz  Ghami, Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, also died in the crash.

Often seen in the gym with Joshua, he was in the boxer’s corner for the Jake Paul fight in Miami on December 19 when AJ knocked out the YouTuber in a mega-fight on Netflix.

Ghami’s first post on Instagram is also of him with Joshua in 2017 just before the massive Wembley clash with Wladimir Klitschko, which saw AJ defeat the Ukrainian legend in the eleventh round.

The trainer is believed to have joined up with Team AJ out in Lagos this morning, sharing a photo at an airport in the Nigerian capital shortly after landing in the country.