World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua has publicly expressed his grief and gratitude for two close friends and key members of his team who tragically lost their lives while travelling with him in Nigeria.
A Heartfelt Tribute on Social Media
The heavyweight champion, who typically keeps his personal feelings private on social platforms, took to his Instagram Stories to share a poignant message. He directly tagged the Instagram accounts of his late friends, Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele.
In his post, Joshua wrote a powerful note directed at them. "THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING MY BROS," he began. "BOTH OF YOU REALLY HELPED ME." He continued, explaining his unusual decision to voice his emotions online, stating, "I DON'T USE SOCIALS TO VOICE MY FEELINGS BUT I WANT TO SAY I AM THANKFUL FOR THE TIME THE BROS SPENT WITH ME."
Joshua concluded his tribute with a raw and defiant statement, underscoring the depth of his sentiment: "I just felt like saying it. If you don't like it, try and do something about it."
Remembering the Pillars of His Team
The two men were far more than just travelling companions; they were integral to Joshua's professional and personal life. Sina Ghami served as Anthony Joshua's strength and conditioning coach, a critical role in shaping the athlete's physical prowess. Latif "Latz" Ayodele was his personal trainer and a trusted confidant, firmly embedded in the boxer's inner circle.
Their contributions were clearly invaluable, as highlighted by Joshua's acknowledgment that they "really helped" him during their time together.
The Tragic Incident on a Major Highway
The devastating accident that claimed their lives occurred on January 29. The trio was travelling along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major roadway in Nigeria known for its heavy traffic and safety challenges. The exact circumstances of the accident have not been detailed in the initial report.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the boxing community and among Joshua's fans worldwide, reminding many of the personal losses that public figures endure away from the spotlight.
Anthony Joshua's decision to break his social media silence to honour Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele underscores the profound impact they had on his life. His tribute stands as a raw and public testament to friendship, loss, and gratitude in the face of sudden tragedy.