British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital in Nigeria, days after a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and members of his professional team.
In a joint statement, the governments of Ogun and Lagos states confirmed that the former world champion had been medically cleared to continue his recovery at home. The statement described Joshua as “heavy-hearted” as he grieves the loss of his companions.
The 36-year-old boxer was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos, on Monday. The crash resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both long-standing and trusted members of Joshua’s team.
Following his discharge on Wednesday, Joshua reportedly visited a funeral home where arrangements were being made to repatriate the bodies of his late friends, according to the joint statement.
Joshua’s long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, paid tribute to the deceased in an Instagram post. “Rest in peace Latz and Sina,” Hearn wrote. “Your energy, loyalty, and many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for their families, friends, and AJ during this incredibly difficult time.”
Ghami had worked closely with Joshua for more than a decade, serving as his full-time sports and exercise rehabilitation coach.
Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi told the BBC on Wednesday that investigations into the accident are ongoing and being handled discreetly. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) said preliminary findings indicate that a tyre burst may have caused the vehicle to lose control before crashing into the truck.
Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, had been in Nigeria on holiday following a recent bout in Miami on 19 December.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the boxing world. Retired cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew described the incident as a “tragic loss in horrific circumstances,” offering prayers to the families and to Joshua. Fellow heavyweight champions Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury also shared messages of condolence on social media.
Source: The Ghana Report
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