‘Tough for Me’: Anthony Joshua pens heartfelt tribute to late friends

'Tough for Me': Anthony Joshua pens heartfelt tribute to late friends

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has described the death of his two close friends as a difficult period for him, following a fatal road accident in Nigeria.

The British-Nigerian boxer was involved in a car crash on December 29 along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State when an SUV vehicle conveying him rammed into a stationary truck.

The accident claimed the lives of his personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele, and his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami.

Read Also: How Anthony Joshua ‘cheated death’ after swapping seats minutes before fatal crash

Anthony Joshua expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and thanked well-wishers for the support shown to the families of the deceased.

In a post on his Facebook page on Thursday, the former heavyweight champion admitted the loss had been emotionally overwhelming while acknowledging that the pain was even greater for the parents of his late friends.

Read Also: Adeboye: God’s mercy saved Anthony Joshua in fatal road accident

“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are,” Joshua wrote.

“I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.

“100 per cent, it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”

The tragedy has drawn widespread sympathy, with tributes continuing to pour in for Ayodele and Ghami, both of whom were regarded as key figures in Anthony Joshua’s professional journey.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date