British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital in Nigeria days after a serious car crash that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
The former world champion was treated following the collision and has now been declared fit to recover at home, according to a joint statement from authorities in Ogun State and Lagos State. The statement said Joshua was “heavy hearted” following the loss of his friends.
The 36-year-old was travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV when it struck a stationary truck on a major expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos, on Monday. Two men, identified as Joshua’s close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, were killed in the crash.
After leaving hospital on Wednesday, Joshua visited a funeral home where the bodies of his friends were “being prepared for repatriation”, the statement added.
Tributes have been paid from across the boxing world. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who has worked with Joshua since he turned professional after winning Olympic gold in 2012, posted on Instagram, “Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”
Ghami had worked closely with Joshua for more than a decade as his full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach.
Police investigations into the crash are continuing. Speaking to the BBC, Ogun State police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said “investigations are still ongoing” and described the process as “still discreet”.
The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency in Ogun State said preliminary findings suggest the vehicle suffered a burst tyre before colliding with the truck.
Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, had been visiting Nigeria following his recent victory over Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December.
Retired British world champion Tony Bellew also offered his condolences, writing on X, “Thoughts and prayers to the families of these men. Tragic losses in horrific circumstances. I hope he is able to process this with time because there is no pain in life worse than grief.”
Messages of sympathy were also shared by two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and former British heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who both posted tributes on Instagram.
Joshua has not yet commented publicly but is understood to be with family and friends as he recovers from the incident.
