The global sporting community is mourning the deaths of two key members of Anthony Joshua’s inner circle following a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday, 29 December 2025.
The victims have been identified as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both long-time friends of the former heavyweight boxing champion and integral figures in his professional set-up.
Trusted Figures in Joshua’s Career
Ghami and Ayodele were widely regarded as the driving force behind Joshua’s physical preparation and mental discipline.
Sina Ghami — a strength and conditioning coach and exercise rehabilitator, worked with Joshua for more than a decade, supporting him through multiple world-title training camps. A qualified musculoskeletal specialist and co-founder of Evolve Gym in London, he previously worked with elite NFL and NBA athletes. He was credited as a key influence in Joshua’s recent resurgence, including his knockout victory over Jake Paul just ten days before the accident.
Latif “Latz” Ayodele served as Joshua’s personal trainer and trusted confidant, and was often described as the emotional core of the team. He promoted a “Healthy Mindset” philosophy focused on discipline, resilience, and psychological sharpness. Hours before the crash, Joshua had shared an Instagram story showing the pair playing table tennis, a final glimpse of their long-standing friendship.
How the Crash Happened
The accident occurred at about 11:00 am near the Makun axis, close to the Danco Filling Station, shortly before the Sagamu Interchange.
Joshua was travelling in a black Lexus SUV as part of a two-vehicle convoy. Preliminary findings by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicate that the vehicle lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre while travelling above the speed limit and collided with a stationary red commercial truck parked by the roadside.
Ghami and Ayodele, who were seated on the passenger side, the side that absorbed most of the impact, died at the scene.
Joshua’s Condition
Joshua was rescued from the wreckage by his security team and bystanders. He sustained minor injuries and appeared visibly shaken in footage shared on social media. He was later evacuated to a specialist medical facility in Lagos, where Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited him and confirmed that he remains in a stable condition but under observation.
President Bola Tinubu also telephoned Joshua and his mother to offer condolences and assurances of support.
Tributes from the Boxing World
Tributes have poured in from across the boxing community.
Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn wrote: “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace, Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
Former opponent Jake Paul added: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone affected by today’s tragic accident.”
