The identities of the two men who tragically lost their lives in a road accident involving British-Nigerian boxing superstar have now been officially confirmed, casting a sombre shadow over the incident that has shocked the global boxing community.
The fatal accident occurred earlier this week along the , one of Nigeria’s busiest and most accident-prone highways. Joshua was travelling in a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with members of his inner circle when the crash happened.
Confirmation of the victims’ identities came from , Chief Executive Officer of , who shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional message posted on his official Instagram page.
“With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away,” Hearn wrote, expressing condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
The announcement brought clarity to days of speculation surrounding the accident and confirmed the devastating human cost of the crash beyond Joshua’s own injuries.
According to information from Joshua’s camp, was a long-time associate of the boxer, having known him even before his rise to global boxing stardom. Their relationship reportedly predated Joshua’s professional career, underscoring the deep personal bond between them.
The second victim, , served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach and was regarded as a key figure behind the scenes in the heavyweight champion’s physical preparation. Ghami was widely respected within boxing circles for his professionalism and dedication to athlete performance.
Reports indicate that the SUV carrying Joshua, Ayodele, and Ghami collided with a stationary vehicle on the highway. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, despite recent expansion works, remains notorious for heavy traffic, speeding, and breakdown-related accidents, often with fatal consequences.
Emergency responders reportedly arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. Joshua was pulled from the wreckage alive and transported for medical evaluation, while Ayodele and Ghami were pronounced dead following the impact.
Although initial reports caused alarm among fans worldwide, Joshua has since been confirmed to have sustained only minor injuries. Sources close to the boxer say he is in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical care. However, the emotional toll of the incident is expected to be significant, given the loss of two men described as integral parts of his personal and professional life.
Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, has strong ties to Nigeria and is widely admired across the country. News of the accident quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting an outpouring of grief, prayers, and messages of support from fans, fellow athletes, and public figures both in Africa and abroad.
Tributes have also poured in for Ayodele and Ghami, with many describing them as loyal, hardworking, and deeply committed to Joshua’s journey. Within the boxing fraternity, Ghami’s death in particular has been felt strongly, given his role in preparing elite athletes behind the scenes.
While Joshua’s physical condition remains stable, the broader implications of the tragedy continue to unfold. The incident has renewed public discussion around road safety in Nigeria, particularly on high-speed highways where stationary vehicles often pose deadly risks to oncoming traffic.
Authorities are yet to release a detailed report on the cause of the crash, but investigations are believed to be ongoing. Road safety advocates have once again called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved vehicle recovery systems, and better lighting and signage on major highways.
For Joshua, the days ahead are likely to be defined by mourning and reflection rather than boxing. The heavyweight star had been preparing for major career decisions, including potential blockbuster fights, but those plans are expected to be put on hold as he comes to terms with the loss.
Eddie Hearn, in his message, did not elaborate further on Joshua’s boxing future, focusing instead on honouring the memory of the deceased and supporting those affected by the tragedy.
As fans await further official statements, the global boxing community has united in solidarity, sending messages of strength to Joshua and condolences to the families of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
The tragic accident serves as a painful reminder that behind the fame and fortune of elite sport lie real human relationships, where loss is felt just as deeply and suddenly as anywhere else.
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