Oleksandr Usyk has sent a message to Anthony Joshua who is in hospital after a car crash in Nigeria killed two of his friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele
Oleksandr Usyk has reached out with a touching message to Anthony Joshua following the devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of the British boxer’s close friends. Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele and Sina Ghami tragically died in Monday’s accident, whilst Joshua remains hospitalised after being a passenger in the vehicle.
As questions swirl about whether the psychological impact could bring an end to Joshua’s boxing career, Usyk offered words of encouragement to his former opponent, urging him to “stay strong”. The Ukrainian heavyweight champion also honoured the memory of Latz and Sina, who were not only valued members of Joshua’s inner circle but cherished friends.
Taking to Instagram, Usyk wrote: “This is an unbelievable loss. [Sina and Latz] were two incredible people who were not only part of AJ’s team, but also friends! My sincere condolences to their families, loved ones, and everyone who knew them. Anthony Joshua – wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong, champion.”
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Joshua is currently receiving care at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, with his mother Yeta Odusanya by his side. The ex-world heavyweight champion is reportedly in a ‘stable’ condition, though a source suggested he is experiencing ‘searing pain’, reports the Daily Star.
Usyk famously stripped Joshua of his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight belts with a unanimous points victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2021, before successfully defending those titles in their rematch eleven months later. Joshua’s recent defeats had temporarily shelved hopes of a ‘Battle of Britain’ clash with Tyson Fury – though his knockout win over Jake Paul seemed to revive that prospect.
Fury has shared his own tribute to Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach Sina and personal trainer Latz, both aged 36. The former world champion wrote, “This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven”, whilst wishing AJ “a speedy recovery”.
Sina had been part of Joshua’s team for over a decade, preparing him for some of his most significant fights – including his 2017 world title victory against Wladimir Klitschko. According to Sina’s uncle Shahryar Rumi, the two men shared a deep friendship beyond their professional relationship – which explains why Sina accompanied Joshua on his visit to family in Nigeria.
“There is no one kinder, no one more generous, no one more compassionate, no one more brotherly,” he told The Sun.
“They worked together, but they began as friends. Even on this trip. He didn’t want him to be alone, so he went with him.”
‘Latz’ had known Joshua before his boxing stardom, joining his team after a football career with clubs including Aylesbury United, Tooting and Mitcham United, Hillingdon Borough, AFC Hayes, Chalfont Wasps and Northwood.
The personal trainer had embraced Islam, and a fundraiser established in his memory has already collected over £170,000 towards building a mosque and supporting clean water initiatives in Africa. The fund-raiser’s organiser expressed: “I’m absolutely shocked that he died and I want to be part of the people who help keep his legacy alive.”
