Anthony Joshua comments for the first time on the tragic accident that claimed the lives of his friends
Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has spoken out for the first time since the horrifying car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his close friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Gami. The 36-year-old Joshua was seated in the back of the SUV when it crashed into a parked truck near Lagos last Monday. The boxer miraculously escaped death, spending several days in the hospital before being discharged on New Year's Eve.
Details: On Friday, Joshua returned to the UK and posted a photo on social media with the families of his late friends, captioned:
“my brother's keeper” the post reads.
The funerals for Ayodele and Gami are being held in London, though it remains unclear if the boxer will attend. Joshua and his mother, Yeta Odusanya, had previously paid their respects at the funeral home before their friends were repatriated to the UK.
Earlier, Ogun State Police confirmed that Joshua's driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was officially charged with manslaughter, dangerous and reckless driving, driving without due care, and operating without a valid license. The case has been referred to the Sagamu Magistrate's Court, with a hearing set for January 20, 2026.
The incident occurred just days after Joshua's dominant victory in the ring, where he knocked out former YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami. Joshua had previously been expected to return to the ring next month and face Tyson Fury in the summer.
Reminder: The British boxer was originally seated in the front passenger seat but, shortly before the journey began, the driver asked him to move to the back seat, a decision that ultimately saved his life.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
