Anthony Joshua has returned to the gym as part of his mental and physical recovery whilst pledging to help achieve the goals his late friends had set for their families.
The heavyweight boxer, 36, has spent recent weeks mourning the loss of personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami, both 36, who died in a car accident in Nigeria on New Year’s Eve. Joshua was also injured in the crash and required brief hospitalisation before returning to the UK in early January.
Speaking a month after the tragedy, Joshua revealed he has resumed training as a means of managing his grief whilst maintaining focus on supporting those left behind. He stated his goal is to continue helping the deceased men’s families achieve what they had wanted for their loved ones.
The boxer described the pair as more than professional colleagues, emphasising they were his brothers and friends first. The three men had lived together as housemates, with Joshua characterising Latz and Sina as constant companions who protected and guided him throughout his career.
Joshua acknowledged the loss has affected him more profoundly than previous bereavements. He explained he had never before lost people who were so integral to his daily life, describing them as his left and right sides.
The trio were travelling to Joshua’s family home in Nigeria for New Year celebrations when the fatal collision occurred. Latz had been a childhood friend since Joshua was 11 years old, whilst Sina had been a key member of Team AJ and had been in his corner for a fight in Miami just days before the accident.
Despite the overwhelming grief experienced by everyone close to the deceased, Joshua emphasised that the mission must continue. He expressed understanding of his duty and responsibility to honour their memory through his actions.
The boxer also shared his spiritual perspective on the deaths, stating he finds comfort knowing the pair are on the other side. “One day my time will come, and I’m not scared either at all,” Joshua said. “It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side.”
Joshua called both men “major players in all of our lives” whilst acknowledging the profound impact their deaths have had on their wider circle.
The driver of the vehicle Joshua was travelling in has appeared in court facing charges related to the crash. Adeniyi Kayode, 46, faces four charges including dangerous driving causing death and driving without a valid national licence.
Joshua continues his rehabilitation for both physical injuries sustained in the collision and the emotional trauma of losing his close companions.
