The silence in the aftermath was deafening. Anthony Joshua, a figure known for his power and resilience, reportedly whispered, “I feel pain all over my body,” after a devastating car crash in Nigeria. The accident claimed the lives of two of his closest companions, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, shattering a tightly-knit world.
The crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a sudden tyre blowout sending the Lexus Joshua was travelling in colliding with a stationary truck. Witnesses described a scene of twisted metal and immediate distress. Joshua, visibly shaken and in discomfort, was carefully helped from the wreckage, the weight of the tragedy already settling upon him.
He was swiftly transported to Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, one of Nigeria’s leading medical facilities. While initial reports indicated he was in stable condition, doctors anticipate he will remain under observation into the New Year, undergoing comprehensive tests to assess the extent of his injuries. The physical pain, however, was only a fraction of the anguish he faced.
The loss of Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele resonated deeply. They weren’t simply associates; they were integral members of Joshua’s team, friends who had stood by him through years of dedication and triumph. Their presence was a constant, a source of unwavering support during his ascent to boxing stardom.
Latif Ayodele, known affectionately as ‘Latz,’ had been a constant presence since Joshua’s world title victory in 2016, serving as his personal trainer. A devout Muslim, he brought a quiet strength and unwavering faith to the team. Just hours before the tragedy, a video surfaced of Joshua and Ayodele sharing a lighthearted moment over a game of table tennis – a poignant reminder of the joy stolen too soon.
Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for over a decade, was the architect of his physical prowess. He co-founded Evolve Gym in London, dedicating his expertise to helping athletes reach their peak performance. Ghami was present for Joshua’s defining moment against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley, a testament to his enduring commitment.
The news sent shockwaves through the sporting community. Tributes poured in, recognizing the profound impact Ayodele and Ghami had on those who knew them. A fundraiser established in Ayodele’s memory, aiming to build a mosque, quickly surpassed £200,000, a testament to the respect and admiration he commanded.
Back in London, a quiet vigil formed outside Evolve Gym, flowers and candles illuminating the space where Ghami had inspired countless individuals. His uncle, Shahryar Rumi, described him as “an angel living amongst us,” a man defined by his boundless generosity and unwavering compassion. “He helped so many people,” Rumi shared, “without even knowing them.”
Joshua’s mother, Yeta Odusanya, rushed to his side in the hospital, her presence a source of comfort amidst the chaos. His uncle, Adedamola Joshua, spoke of the family’s frantic search for information, the anxiety compounded by Joshua’s public profile. Ultimately, they were assured he was receiving the best possible care.
The bond between Joshua, Ghami, and Ayodele extended beyond professional collaboration; it was a friendship forged in shared ambition and mutual respect. Ghami had accompanied Joshua on this trip to Nigeria, not as an employee, but as a friend, unwilling to let him face the journey alone. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of human connection.
