British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital following a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and long-time team members.
The Ogun and Lagos State governments confirmed in a joint statement on Wednesday that the former world champion was medically cleared and allowed to continue his recovery at home. The statement said Joshua was “heavy-hearted” as he continues to mourn the loss of his friends.
Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV involved in the accident on Monday along a major expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos. The vehicle reportedly collided with a stationary truck, leading to the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both key members of Joshua’s support team.
After his discharge, Joshua visited a funeral home where the bodies of Ghami and Ayodele were being prepared for repatriation, according to the statement.
Ghami had worked with Joshua for more than 10 years as his full-time sports and exercise rehabilitation coach and played a major role in his fitness and recovery throughout his boxing career.
Ogun State police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said investigations into the crash are ongoing. The state’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) added that early findings suggest the vehicle may have suffered a burst tyre before hitting the truck.
Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was in Nigeria on holiday after his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December.
Several boxing figures, including former world champions Tony Bellew, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, have sent messages of condolence, offering support to Joshua and the families of the deceased during what has been described as a deeply tragic time.
