British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has spoken
emotionally about the tragic loss of two key members of his team, Latif Ayodele
and Sina Ghami, describing them as his “brothers.”
In a video shared on his YouTube channel on Thursday
evening, the former two-time world champion struggled to hold back tears as he
reflected on the accident that claimed their lives.
Joshua was a passenger in an SUV that collided 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.
“I know what I have got to do,” Joshua said, speaking
directly to the camera. “I’m going to do what is right by them, do what is
right by their family. It’s about what truly matters.”
He added that he understood what the late duo had
hoped to achieve for their families and pledged to continue supporting those
goals.
Ayodele served as Joshua’s personal trainer, while
Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach.
Although the boxer offered little detail about his
immediate boxing future, he insisted that he would keep moving forward.
“The mission must go on,” he said. “It’s not about
legacy. It’s about doing what is right, and I know I will do right by them.”
Boxing Future Uncertain
The fatal accident occurred just weeks after Joshua
defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, a win that kept him on track
for a potential showdown with long-time rival Tyson Fury.
Fury has since confirmed his return to the ring and is
scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11. However, the future of a
highly anticipated all-British clash between Fury and Joshua remains uncertain,
with speculation growing that Joshua could consider retirement.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said the
36-year-old will be given all the time he needs to grieve and recover.
Earlier this month, Joshua shared footage of himself
back in the gym, describing pad work with a trainer as “mental strength
therapy.”
In Thursday’s video, the boxer spoke candidly about
loss and mortality.
“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared. It’s
actually comforting knowing I’ve got two brothers on the other side,” he said.
“I’ve lost people before, but not like this — my left
and my right.”
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