Heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday, resulting in fatalities. The incident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway around 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) and involved a black Lexus and a stationary red commercial truck.
Details of the Incident
According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), five adult men were involved in the crash. Preliminary findings suggest the Lexus was traveling at a speed exceeding the legal limit and lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle, colliding with the truck. Joshua and the vehicle’s driver were rescued from the wreckage by the boxer’s security team.
Those lost in the crash have been identified as Latif and Sina, described by boxing expert Steve Bunce as “two of Joshua’s closest friends.” Bunce explained to BBC Radio 5 Live that both men were integral to Joshua’s career, with Latif serving as his personal trainer and Sina as his strength and conditioning coach. He emphasized their long-standing relationship, stating, “They’ve been with him, if not from the start, at least very early on.”
Both Joshua and his associates had been publicly celebrating recently. Just hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video on Instagram showing him playing table tennis with Ayodele, a personal trainer.
Reactions and Tributes
News of the crash prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the boxing community. Chris Eubank Jr. called the deceased “genuinely good men,” while Jake Paul expressed his prayers for Joshua and those affected by the accident. Former New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams also paid tribute to Abdul Latif, and British bantamweight Shannon Courtenay remembered both men as “good guys.”
The FRSC investigation is ongoing, and a full assessment of the circumstances surrounding the crash is expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is known about the condition of Anthony Joshua?
The source states that Anthony Joshua was rescued from the vehicle by his security team, but does not provide details regarding his injuries.
Who were Latif and Sina?
Latif was Anthony Joshua’s personal trainer and Sina was his strength and conditioning coach. They had both worked with Joshua for over 10 years and were described as two of his closest friends.
Where did the crash occur?
The crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Nigeria, around 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) on Monday.
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what impact this tragic event will have on those involved and the wider sporting community.
