Deadly Nigeria crash kills two from boxing star Anthony Joshua's inner circle Boxer hospitalised / video

British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his team.

According to the BBC, Joshua, a former world champion, was travelling as a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos.

The two fatalities were identified as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both close friends and key members of Joshua’s team, according to a statement from his promoter, Matchroom Boxing. The company said Joshua was taken to the hospital for checks and treatment and is in stable condition. He will remain under observation.

“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected — and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time,” Matchroom Boxing said.

Eddie Hearn, chair of Matchroom Boxing, paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, describing them as “two great men.” “Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone,” he said.

Boxing analyst Steve Bunce said the two men were among Joshua’s closest companions and played central roles in his career. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Bunce described them as “massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine,” adding that Ayodele served as Joshua’s personal trainer while Ghami was responsible for strength and conditioning. “They are with him all the time,” Bunce said.

Just hours before the crash, Joshua had shared a video on Instagram showing himself and Ayodele playing table tennis. Ghami had also recently posted on social media from Lagos.

By Tamilla Hasanova