Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time after a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends and members of his team.
Joshua paid tribute to his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami and his trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, who died in the accident while the boxer sustained minor injuries.
Speaking in a video posted on social media, Joshua described the loss as devastating.
” It’s tough, it’s really tough, I’m not going to sit here and show all my emotions,” he said
Reflecting on mortality, he added, “One day my time will come and I’m not scared either at all. It’s actually comforting knowing I got two brothers on the other side.”
Joshua said the loss felt different from previous bereavements.
“I’ve lost people before. But I don’t think I’ve lost people like that. My left and my right… They were very important team members, very important friends and two of my brothers.
“I’m the big guy but I was walking with giants that kept me protected, kept me shielded,” he said.
The crash occurred while Joshua was in Nigeria visiting family, just weeks after he recorded a knockout victory over Jake Paul in a bout in Miami.
Describing the incident, Joshua said the tragedy was sudden and beyond their control.
“We went back home, went to see our families and everything just got flipped upside on its head,” he said.
“That was such an unforeseen circumstance, that was out of all our control.”
“Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself lose two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about and have been major players in all of our lives,” Joshua said.
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Joshua acknowledged the emotional strain of speaking publicly but said he remained focused on his responsibilities.
“I know in today’s day and age it’s easy to micro-analyze people and pass judgement.
“I know what I feel and that’s what matters to me. I know what my duty is. They’re my brothers, they’re my friends, first and foremost,” he said.
Joshua said he plans to honor their memory by supporting their families and continuing the work they believed in.
“My goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals,” he said. “It’s not just physical strength that will get me through. It’s going to take a lot of strength from a higher power.”
He added, “I’m definitely going to say my prayers and help them fulfil their dreams for their families — not only me, there’s a whole team of us.”
Joshua said he intends to stand by their families.
“I’m going to do what’s right by them, I’m going to do what’s right by their family,” he said.
Addressing his future, Joshua said he was not considering immediate retirement.
“In my corner of the world I know what I’m going to be doing,” he said. “What can I say? One day my time will come… But the mission must go on. I understand my duty.”
He added, “It isn’t about legacy, it’s just doing what’s right and I know I’m going to do what’s right for them. I know what I’ve got to do.”
Joshua also expressed gratitude for the support shown globally.
“I still can’t get my head around, just my two friends, just how popular they are,” he said. “We just grew up together.”
He added, “I’m sure their parents are 100 percent proud of them because I am.”
Concluding his message, Joshua said, “Thank you for the love worldwide. For anyone out there that’s lost a son, a brother, one love to you.”
Joshua is expected to fight fellow Briton Tyson Fury later this year, although his next bout has not been announced.
