British heavyweight boxer hospitalized in stable condition after collision on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claims lives of longtime coach and trainer
British boxing champion Anthony Joshua remains in stable condition following a devastating car crash on Nigeria’s Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two members of his inner circle, according to officials and his management team.
The accident, which occurred in Ogun State, killed Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach of more than a decade, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, his personal trainer. Both men had worked with the two-time world heavyweight champion during his recent bout with Jake Paul, which Joshua had just completed.
According to reports from local authorities, the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle at excessive speed. The vehicle subsequently collided with a stationary truck on the expressway, a major highway connecting Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos with the inland city of Ibadan.
Joshua, who holds Nigerian heritage through his parents, was injured in the collision but survived. He is currently receiving medical care, with his team confirming his condition as stable.
The deaths of Ghami and Ayodele represent a profound personal loss for the 34-year-old boxer. Ghami had been a fixture in Joshua’s corner for over ten years, helping guide him through multiple world championship reigns and career-defining fights. Together with Ayodele, known as “Latz” in boxing circles, they had just helped prepare Joshua for and corner him through his latest fight against Paul.
The timing of the tragedy adds to its poignancy, coming shortly after the trio had worked together on Joshua’s most recent bout. The close working relationship spanning more than a decade between Joshua and Ghami, in particular, underscores the depth of the loss.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, while figures from the boxing world, including Jake Paul, who faced Joshua in the ring, have also offered their sympathies as the investigation into the crash continues.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has long been known for safety concerns and has been the site of numerous fatal accidents over the years.