A close childhood friend of Anthony Joshua's late fitness trainer has shared heartfelt private messages in a moving online tribute, following the burial of the two coaches who died in a tragic road accident.
Emotional Tribute from a Lifelong Friend
Howie Hall, who had been friends with Latif 'Latz' Ayodele since they were both 17 years old, took to Instagram to mourn his loss. He also paid tribute to Sina Ghami, Joshua's strength and conditioning coach. Both men lost their lives in a car crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday, December 29.
Howie posted old pictures and their private chats, admitting he was struggling to process their sudden deaths. He explained that he released the conversations because he couldn't find the right words to describe the impact both men had on his life.
Final Farewell in London
The two coaches were laid to rest in London on Sunday, January 4. A large crowd of mourners attended the funeral, including Anthony Joshua himself. The British-Nigerian boxer survived the same crash with only minor injuries.
In his lengthy Instagram post, Howie wrote about his heavy heart and the difficulty of saying a proper goodbye. "With everything happening so quickly, I’m still processing and struggling to find the words to explain the impact you both had," he shared.
Remembering Brotherly Bonds and Wisdom
Howie's tribute to Latif recalled their deep brotherhood. He thanked him for the energy and laughter he brought into every room and for always being there. He reminisced about shared memories, from driving in a red Astra car to being football teammates and sharing Sunday dinners.
For Sina Ghami, Howie described him as an uncle-like figure. He said he would miss their chats filled with wisdom and the countless jokes they shared since Howie was 21. He praised Sina for always breathing encouragement and positivity into people.
A Message of Support for Anthony Joshua
Howie also directly addressed Anthony Joshua in his post. He offered words of comfort and solidarity to the grieving boxer. "My brother, I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through right now, but just remember your brothers loved you and we are here for you always no matter what," he wrote, urging Joshua to take time for himself.
The emotional post has since garnered significant attention online, with many fans and followers leaving messages of condolence and support for Howie, Joshua, and the families of the deceased.
