The global boxing community is reeling from a profound tragedy after a fatal road accident in Nigeria claimed the lives of two pivotal figures in Anthony Joshua's life. The former two-time world heavyweight champion survived the collision with minor injuries, but his long-time strength coach and personal trainer were not as fortunate.
Details of the Tragic Accident on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The devastating incident occurred on Monday morning near the Sagamu interchange on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. According to reports from the Ogun State Police Command and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the accident happened around 11:00 AM local time (5:00 AM EST).
Preliminary investigations indicate that the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and four others was involved in an overtaking maneuver before the driver lost control. The vehicle then collided with a stationary truck. Images from the scene reveal the SUV sustained massive damage to its front end.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos, with a visibly dazed Anthony Joshua being helped from the wreckage by bystanders and emergency responders. A police spokesperson confirmed the grim outcome, stating, "It is a tragedy beyond words. Two lives were lost at the scene. Mr. Joshua is receiving treatment and is in stable condition, but the emotional toll is immense."
Remembering the Pillars of Joshua's Team: Sina "Evolve" Ghami & Abdul "Latz" Lateef
The two men who lost their lives were far more than employees to Anthony Joshua; they were considered brothers and the foundational pillars of his daily routine and professional success.
Sina "Evolve" Ghami served as Joshua's strength and conditioning coach. A constant in the champion's training camps, he was most recently instrumental in preparing Joshua for his decisive knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami just ten days before the accident.
Abdul Lateef, known affectionately as "Latz," was Joshua's personal trainer and a close confidant, often called the "heart" of the team. He was renowned for his "Healthy Mindset" philosophy, playing a critical role in honing both the mental and physical prowess of the boxing icon.
In a heartbreaking twist, social media posts from hours before the crash showed the group in high spirits during Joshua's homecoming trip to Nigeria. One video, now a poignant memory, captured Joshua and Latz engaged in a friendly game of table tennis.
Aftermath and Tributes Pour In
Anthony Joshua had traveled to Sagamu, Nigeria, to celebrate his recent win and connect with his ancestral roots. What began as a joyous homecoming swiftly turned into a nightmare. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed the boxer is physically recovering from non-life-threatening injuries but is utterly devastated by the loss of his "brothers."
The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to the Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu as investigations into the exact cause of the crash continue. Meanwhile, an outpouring of grief and tribute has flooded in from across the boxing world for Sina Ghami and Abdul Lateef, the two men who helped steer the career of one of the sport's modern greats.
The accident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and has left an indelible mark on Anthony Joshua and everyone who knew the beloved mentors.
