Near Sagamu, Nigeria, on 29 December 2025, a black Lexus SUV carrying former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua collided with a stationary truck. Two of his closest associates, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, died at the scene. Joshua, seated in the back, survived with injuries.
The accident occurred around 11 a.m., just hours after Joshua shared a video on Instagram showing him and Ayodele playing table tennis at a family home in Ogun State. The clip captured the two friends laughing and joking—moments that would later take on a haunting significance.
The group had arrived in Nigeria a day earlier from the United Kingdom for a short holiday, celebrating Joshua’s knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December. What was intended as a joyful reunion with family and a connection to his Nigerian heritage turned into a tragedy that reverberated throughout the global boxing community.
Early reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps indicated that speeding and unsafe overtaking were the main causes of the crash. Investigators are also examining the possibility of a tyre burst. The SUV’s front bore the full force of the collision, killing the two men in the front seats instantly.
Ghami, Joshua’s rehabilitation coach for more than a decade, co-founded Evolve Gym in Ruislip and was a respected sports rehabilitator. He had worked with elite athletes across boxing, NFL, NBA, and college football. Hours before the crash, Ghami posted photos on Instagram showing vehicles from Joshua’s convoy.
Ayodele, known professionally as @healthy_mindset and affectionately called Latz, served as Joshua’s personal trainer and was regarded as a close friend. Through social media, he promoted mental resilience, fitness discipline, and faith, inspiring thousands of followers well beyond the boxing world.
The bonds between Joshua, Ghami, and Ayodele were both personal and professional. They had accompanied him through victories, defeats, and the rigours of training camps. Commentator Steve Bunce described them as “two of Joshua’s closest friends” and “massive parts of the Anthony Joshua operation.”
In 2025, Ghami and Ayodele co-founded Panther Syndicate Limited with members of Joshua’s team, a venture reflecting ambitions beyond boxing. That project will now remain unrealised.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, was on a family holiday when he learned of the crash. He saw images circulating online showing Joshua dazed and surrounded by broken glass. “We are trying to contact Anthony, and thankfully he appears OK from what I have seen,” Hearn said.
Matchroom Boxing confirmed the deaths in a statement and asked for privacy for the families. Joshua and another passenger were taken to a specialised medical facility, where doctors confirmed both were stable. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally called Joshua to offer condolences, while Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun ensured he received full medical care.
Messages of grief poured in from across the sports world. Jake Paul wrote, “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.” Chris Eubank Jr said, “Thank God our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers, Latz and Sina, and their families. I knew both. They were genuinely good men.”
Tributes also came from Sonny Bill Williams and Badou Jack, who established a fundraiser in Ayodele’s memory that quickly raised over £37,000. Friends across sports and entertainment praised the loyalty, generosity, and exceptional character of both men.
The crash has once again highlighted the risks on Nigerian roads. Despite some improvements, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remains notorious for speeding and dangerous overtaking, which continue to contribute to fatal accidents.
The collision took place near Ikenne, where Joshua attended boarding school, roughly 85 kilometres from the site. His ties to Nigeria run deep, from family roots in Sagamu to visible expressions of his heritage. Any plans for a return to the ring in early 2026 are now on hold as Joshua focuses on both physical recovery and coping with the emotional toll of the tragedy.
The families of Ghami and Ayodele have requested privacy. Both men earned widespread respect for their professional expertise and the positive influence they had on athletes and followers worldwide. The Ring Magazine added its voice to the condolences, standing with the boxing community in mourning.
Although accidents on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway may continue, the legacy of Ghami and Ayodele extends far beyond statistics. They were devoted friends, trusted mentors, and loyal allies who remained steadfast by a champion until the very end.
