Boxing heavyweight legend Anthony Joshua escaped with his life after a catastrophic car accident on Nigeria’s notorious Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, 2025, that claimed the lives of two cherished members of his inner circle. Sina Ghami, his longtime strength and conditioning coach, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, his personal trainer, died at the scene in a collision so violent it left their black Lexus SUV unrecognizable. Joshua, 36, sustained only minor injuries and remains under observation in a Lagos hospital, but the emotional scars run deep. Just ten days after delivering a brutal knockout to Jake Paul in Miami, the former two-time world champion now faces a different kind of fight—one of grief, survival, and reflection on life’s cruel unpredictability. As tributes flood in from presidents, promoters, and peers, this tragedy has united the combat sports world in sorrow while reminding everyone of the fragility that exists beyond the ropes.

The crash occurred around 11 a.m. local time near the Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State—an area steeped in personal significance for Joshua, whose family hails from nearby Sagamu. Traveling in a two-vehicle convoy, Joshua rode in the rear of the Lexus SUV with Ghami, Ayodele, the driver, and another passenger. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the vehicle was exceeding the 80 km/h (50 mph) speed limit when it attempted an overtaking maneuver and lost control, slamming head-on into a stationary red commercial truck parked on the roadside. The impact was devastating. Images released by the FRSC show the Lexus crumpled beyond recognition, its front end obliterated, while the truck bore deep dents from the force. Rescue teams arrived within minutes, but Ghami and Ayodele had already succumbed to their injuries. Joshua, dazed and shirtless, was carefully extracted from the wreckage, wincing as he was helped to safety. Video footage circulating online captures the surreal moment: the muscular champion kneeling on the asphalt, surrounded by concerned bystanders and emergency personnel, before being escorted to a police vehicle.

Joshua’s survival borders on miraculous. Medical reports describe his injuries as minor—bruises and soreness requiring no immediate surgery—yet the psychological toll is incalculable. Witnesses recall him appearing disoriented but coherent, a testament to the physical resilience that has defined his career. He was quickly transferred to a high-end facility in Lagos, where he has been in contact with family, including his mother, Yeta. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally called to offer condolences and prayers, praising Joshua’s “courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country.” The Ogun State Police Command has launched a full investigation, with speed cited as a primary factor. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, despite recent upgrades, remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest roads, plagued by reckless overtaking and heavy truck traffic. In 2025 alone, dozens have perished on this stretch, making the tragedy both shocking and tragically familiar.

Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele were far more than trainers—they were family. Ghami, co-founder of London’s Evolve Gym, had been by Joshua’s side for over a decade, sculpting the explosive power that defined fights against Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, and most recently Jake Paul. A certified rehabilitator who worked with NFL and NBA stars, Ghami celebrated in the ring after the Paul knockout, his smile beaming under the Miami lights. Ayodele, affectionately known as “Latz” or “healthy_mindset” online, brought infectious energy and positivity to Joshua’s camp. Just hours before the crash, Joshua shared an Instagram story of the two playing table tennis, laughing together in a moment of pure camaraderie. Their sudden absence has left a void that no amount of training can fill. Matchroom Boxing released a statement heavy with grief: “With profound sadness, we confirm the passing of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele—close friends and vital members of Anthony’s team. We ask for privacy for their families during this unimaginable time.”

Joshua’s journey from Watford streets to global stardom is the stuff of legend. Born to Nigerian parents, he spent formative years in Sagamu, attending boarding school in nearby Ikenne. The tattoo on his right shoulder—an outline of Africa with Nigeria highlighted—speaks to roots he has never forgotten. Returning to Britain as a teenager, he discovered boxing late but exploded onto the scene, winning Olympic super heavyweight gold at London 2012. His professional reign saw him unify three major belts, defend against giants, and rebound from setbacks like the 2021 Usyk defeat. The December 19 demolition of Jake Paul—breaking the YouTuber’s jaw and silencing doubters—felt like a statement of renewed dominance. Talks of a blockbuster 2026 clash with Tyson Fury were heating up, with £100 million on the table. Now, everything is on hold. Promoters whisper of possible internal injuries and the deeper trauma of witnessing friends die beside him. “Life is much more important than boxing,” Jake Paul posted—a rare moment of humility from a fierce rival.

The outpouring of grief has been overwhelming. Chris Eubank Jr. wrote: “Thank God our heavyweight champ survived… Pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina. Genuinely good men.” Sonny Bill Williams shared photos with Ayodele: “Rest easy brother Abdul Latif.” Shannon Courtenay, who partied with the team in Miami days earlier, lamented: “Last week we’re all having fun… today you’re gone. Life is too short.” Eddie Hearn posted heartfelt images: “Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz.” Even rivals and former opponents joined the chorus, underscoring the respect Joshua commands across the sport. Fans on social media recount stories of Ghami’s quiet mentorship and Ayodele’s boundless positivity, painting portraits of men who touched countless lives.

Sagamu itself mourns. Joshua had planned New Year celebrations there, a homecoming for a local hero who serves as Ogun State’s sports ambassador and funds community projects, including a planned indoor boxing arena bearing his name. Relatives spoke of anticipation turned to shock: “We were expecting him… This news is devastating.” His survival offers a sliver of solace amid heartbreak, a reminder of the fighter’s spirit that has carried him through ring wars and personal trials alike.

The crash forces pause on Joshua’s immediate future. While physically he may recover quickly, the mental aftermath—survivor’s guilt, grief, the weight of loss—could reshape his path. Boxing has seen champions rebound from tragedy before: Muhammad Ali after exile, Mike Tyson after prison, Joshua himself after Usyk. Yet this feels different, more intimate. Promoters stress that decisions about fighting—Fury or otherwise—will come only when Joshua is ready. “Whatever he chooses next feels insignificant right now,” one insider noted.

Road safety advocates seize the moment to highlight Nigeria’s traffic crisis. The FRSC’s Corps Marshal urged stricter adherence to speed limits and safer overtaking, turning personal tragedy into a broader call for change. For Joshua, the expressway that claimed his friends will forever mark a turning point.

Anthony Joshua has stared down giants in the ring, but this is a battle of the soul. As he heals in Lagos, surrounded by family and supported by millions, the boxing world holds its breath. Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele leave behind legacies of dedication and joy. Their champion lives to honor them—not just with fists, but with the unbreakable heart they helped forge. In the face of unimaginable loss, Joshua’s story continues, a testament to survival, love, and the enduring power of the human spirit.