Eyewitness describes Anthony Joshua’s reaction to crash that killed close friends

British boxer and former heavyweight world champion Joshua was left dazed by the crash in which his close pals Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele and Sina Ghami tragically died

An eyewitness has described Anthony Joshua’s reaction to the horrific car crash that killed his close friends Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele and Sina Ghami. British boxer Joshua miraculously cheated death when the car he was a passenger in collided with a lorry.

The former world heavyweight champion is in hospital in Lagos following Monday’s tragic crash in Nigeria, and is said to be suffering ‘searing pain’. He is expected to remain in hospital while medics keep an eye on him and carry out further tests over the next few days.

In the wake of the crash, mobile phone footage circulating on social media showed a dazed Joshua being helped out of the twisted wreckage. He was one of five people in the car, with two others escaping unscathed.

Now an eyewitness has described how Joshua reacted in the immediate aftermath of the crash.

Ajala Yusuf Oluwaseyi said he heard a loud “boom” and thought a tyre had burst, before realising a car had gone under a truck parked on the highway.

According to The Independent, he told Sky News Joshua was visibly shaken by what he called the “deadliness of the incident”, adding: “He was shocked, he couldn’t talk.”

On Tuesday, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nigeria has disclosed the cause of a deadly collision.

In an official statement, the FRSC said: “The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number. A total of five adult males were involved in the crash.

“Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries. The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu.

“The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation. Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road.”

Tributes have poured in for the two men who lost their lives in the tragic accident, both of whom were close friends of Joshua and worked with the boxer.

Sina had worked with Joshua for more than 10 years, and helped him prepare for some of his biggest bouts – including his world title-winning fight against Wladimir Klitschko in 2017.

Sina’s uncle Shahryar Rumi said he and Joshua were great friends – explaining that was why his nephew had accompanied Joshua on his trip to see family in Nigeria.

“There is no one kinder, no one more generous, no one more compassionate, no one more brotherly,” he said, quoted by The Sun.

“They worked together, but they began as friends. Even on this trip. He didn’t want him to be alone, so he went with him.”

Latz’ knew Joshua before he hit the big time in boxing, and joined his team after playing football for Aylesbury United, Tooting & Mitcham United, Hillingdon Borough, AFC Hayes, Chalfont Wasps and Northwood.

The personal trainer had converted to Islam, and a fundraiser set up in his honour has so far raised more than £170,000 to build a mosque and help clean water projects in Africa.

The organiser of the fundraiser said: “I’m absolutely shocked that he died and I want to be part of the people who help keep his legacy alive.”

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