Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly on camera for the first time since a car crash in Nigeria that killed two members of his team.
The former world heavyweight champion broke weeks of silence on Thursday in a video posted on his YouTube channel. In the message, Joshua became emotional as he spoke about the deaths of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, whom he described as his “brothers”.
The crash occurred on December 29 along the Lagos-Ibadan highway. Joshua was travelling in an SUV that collided with a stationary truck. He sustained minor injuries, while Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene.
Addressing the camera, Joshua said: “I know what I have got to do.” He added, “I’m going to do what is right by them, do what is right by their family and it is about what is important.”
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He said he understood what the two men had “wanted to do for their families” and noted that his focus “is to continue to help them achieve their goals”.
Ayodele was Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami served as his strength and conditioning coach. Both were closely involved in his professional career.
Joshua gave little indication about his boxing future but said “the mission must go on”. He also reiterated his commitment to honouring his late teammates, stating, “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.”
The crash came weeks after Joshua defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, a result that kept him in contention for a possible fight with Tyson Fury. Fury has since announced his return and is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.
Questions remain over a potential bout between Joshua and Fury, with speculation that Joshua could consider retirement following the incident.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said the 36-year-old will be given time to process the loss. Earlier this month, Joshua shared videos of himself training, describing the sessions as “mental strength therapy”.
In the YouTube video, Joshua reflected on loss, saying: “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 added: “I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that, my left and my right, you know?”
Watch video here