OAN Staff Cory Hawkins
10:53 AM – Tuesday, December 30, 2025
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident in Nigeria on Monday morning, just weeks after his sixth-round knockout win over Jake Paul. While Joshua escaped with only minor injuries, the crash tragically claimed the lives of both his conditioning coach and personal trainer.
Tributes have flooded social media as the boxing world mourns the loss of two pillars in the British boxer’s camp.
Sina Ghami, Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both 36, were tragically killed in the crash. Both men have since been celebrated across the industry for their integral roles in Joshua’s career and their deep personal bond with the fighter.
Joshua, meanwhile, is reportedly still in stable condition at a hospital. He is expected to fully recover.
“It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele,” a spokesperson for the fighter told the press.
“Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team. We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news. Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”
According to the Nigeria Federal Road Safety Corps, Joshua was a rear-seat passenger in a Lexus SUV that was traveling above the legal speed limit. The vehicle then reportedly lost control during an “overtaking maneuver” and collided with a stationary commercial Sinotruck. While an investigation is ongoing, some accounts suggest a tire blowout may have also contributed to the crash.
A Nigerian police report read: “The vehicle conveying Mr Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. Joshua, seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention with another injured person.
“Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell hospital morgue, Sagamu. The Ogun state police command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced.”
Before the tragedy struck, Joshua had been enjoying a personal holiday in Nigeria with family and friends. He arrived in the country shortly after his December 19th victory, where he defeated Jake Paul via a sixth-round knockout.
The Nigerian president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wrote a heartfelt message on X:
“I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him.”
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