Undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has expressed shock and sorrow over the death of two associates of Anthony Joshua who lost their lives in a fatal road accident in Nigeria, an incident that also left the former heavyweight champion injured.
Usyk, who defeated Joshua twice to win the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles, said the loss was deeply painful, noting that the victims were not only members of Joshua’s team but also close friends.
“This is an unbelievable loss. @sina_evolve and @healthy_mindset were two incredible people who were not only part of AJ’s team, but also friends! My sincere condolences to their families, loved ones, and everyone who knew them. @anthonyjoshua – wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong, champion,” Usyk wrote in an Instagram story.
According to Channels Television, Joshua was involved in the road accident on Monday in the Makun area of Ogun State. The crash claimed the lives of two of his associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, while Joshua sustained injuries.
The incident occurred just eight days after the former heavyweight world champion knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their Netflix-backed bout in Miami.
In a statement, the Federal Road Safety Corps attributed the accident to overspeeding and wrongful overtaking. The agency said preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep conveying Joshua was suspected to be travelling above the legally prescribed speed limit when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck properly parked along the road.
“The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the FRSC said.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Joshua a speedy recovery.
What you should know
Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua share a notable rivalry in modern boxing, having faced each other twice in world title bouts that elevated Usyk to undisputed status.
Beyond competition, moments of tragedy often bring solidarity among fighters. The fatal accident in Ogun State has drawn global attention, with reactions from political leaders, sports figures, and safety agencies.
Authorities have emphasized that overspeeding and wrongful overtaking remain major causes of deadly road crashes in Nigeria, renewing calls for stricter adherence to traffic regulations to prevent avoidable loss of life.
