Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time since a fatal car accident that claimed the lives of two of his closest associates, ending weeks of silence with an emotional video message released on Thursday.
In the video, shared on his official YouTube channel, Joshua appeared visibly shaken and at one point fought back tears as he paid tribute to his late backroom team members, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, whom he described as his “brothers”.
Joshua was travelling as a passenger in an SUV involved in a collision with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway on December 29. While the boxer sustained only minor injuries, Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene of the crash.
“I know what I have got to do,” Joshua said while addressing the camera directly.
“I’m going to do what is right by them, do what is right by their family, and it is about what is important.”
He explained that he understood what both men had hoped to achieve for their families and said his focus was on helping to fulfil those ambitions.
Joshua noted that his aim “is to continue to help them achieve their goals”.
Ayodele served as Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami was his long-time strength and conditioning coach. Both were integral members of the boxer’s inner circle.
While offering few details about his immediate boxing future, Joshua hinted that his journey in the sport was not yet over.
“The mission must go on,” he said.
Reflecting further on his mindset, the former champion downplayed concerns about legacy, stressing instead the importance of honouring those he lost.
“It ain’t about legacy, it’s just about doing what is right, and I know I am going to do what is right by them,” he added.
The tragic accident occurred only weeks after Joshua defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, a win that had kept him on track for a long-anticipated showdown with long-time rival Tyson Fury later this year.
Fury has since confirmed his return to the ring and is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, throwing uncertainty over the proposed all-British heavyweight clash with Joshua. Speculation has also grown over whether Joshua might choose to retire following the loss.
However, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said the 36-year-old would be given as much time as needed to grieve and recover emotionally.
Earlier this month, Joshua posted footage of himself back in the gym, describing pad work with a trainer as “mental strength therapy”.
In the video released on Thursday, Joshua also spoke candidly about mortality and loss.
“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared either at all. It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side,” he said.
“I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that, my left and my right, you know?”
What you should know
Anthony Joshua’s remarks mark his first on-camera response since the December 29 crash in Nigeria that killed two key members of his inner team.
Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami were central figures in Joshua’s training and career development, making their loss deeply personal and professionally significant. While the boxer avoided committing to future fights, his words suggest a desire to honour their legacy rather than rush decisions about his career.
The tragedy has cast uncertainty over a potential bout with Tyson Fury, even as Joshua slowly resumes training and focuses on emotional recovery.
