Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time since a devastating car crash in Nigeria late last year that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends.
Joshua was involved in the crash on Dec. 29 near Lagos, Nigeria, an incident that killed Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, longtime friends and members of his inner circle.
On Thursday, Joshua released an emotional video on YouTube addressing the tragedy, admitting it took several attempts to gather the words to speak publicly.
“The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission,” Joshua said. “We went back home, went to see our families and everything just got flipped on its head.”
“God’s the Best Planner”
Fighting back tears, the 36-year-old reflected on the suddenness of the loss and the impact it has had on him and those closest to the victims.
“God’s the best planner. We can plan to the best of our capabilities, but that was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control,” Joshua said.
Joshua acknowledged the emotional difficulty of speaking openly, while also expressing frustration with public scrutiny.
“It’s tough. It’s really tough,” he said. “I’m not going to sit here and show all of my emotions. In today’s day and age, it’s easy to micro-analyse people and pass judgment. But I know what I feel and that’s all that matters to me.”
“My Left and My Right”
At one point in the video, Joshua paused, visibly emotional, before describing the depth of the bond he shared with Ghami and Ayodele.
“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared… at all,” Joshua said. “It’s actually comforting I’ve got two brothers on the other side. I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that. My left and my right, you know?”
“I was walking with giants that kept me protected.”
Carrying On Their Legacy
Joshua said he has been overwhelmed by the global support shown to the families of the victims and vowed to help fulfill the dreams his friends left behind.
“What my goal is is to continue to help them achieve their goals,” he said. “Even though they may not be here in the physical, when I pray, I know spiritually they’re going to aid me through.”
“There’s a whole brotherhood, a whole sisterhood that will be helping fulfil their legacy and dreams.”
He also thanked fans worldwide for their messages of support. Noting that the love shown has not gone unnoticed by the families.
Boxing Future on Hold
Joshua’s longtime promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. Said last week that Joshua will take time before making any decisions regarding his boxing future.
“He will take his time to get back on track,” Hearn said, emphasizing that Joshua’s physical and emotional recovery remains the priority.
For now, the former champion appears focused less on belts and business and more on healing, remembrance, and honoring the people who helped shape his journey.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
