Anthony Joshua has released a heartfelt video message to his fans, paying tribute to the late Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele who passed away in a car crash in Nigeria on December 29. The former world heavyweight champion, 36, sustained minor injuries in the incident but was lucky to escape with his life.
Joshua's emotional video message, which he posted on YouTube, thanked fans for their outpouring of support during this difficult time. He expressed his gratitude to those who showed him love and care when he needed it most, saying "I've lost people before, but I don't think I've lost people like that".
The two friends were not only close teammates but also like brothers to Joshua, having formed a strong bond over the years. Ghami was Joshua's strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer.
Joshua has been open about the traumatic experience of losing his loved ones in such a tragic manner. However, he chose to channel his grief into something positive by sharing this heartfelt message with his fans.
He also spoke about how Ghami and Ayodele's deaths have made him realize that "one day my time will come" but he is not scared, adding that knowing they are on the other side makes everything more bearable. He vowed to help their families achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams.
Joshua has returned to training at the gym in recent days, posting a Snapchat video of himself hitting the pads, which was interpreted as "mental strength therapy".
Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Joshua will return to boxing when the time is right, adding that he has been supporting his friend during this difficult period.
Joshua's emotional video message, which he posted on YouTube, thanked fans for their outpouring of support during this difficult time. He expressed his gratitude to those who showed him love and care when he needed it most, saying "I've lost people before, but I don't think I've lost people like that".
The two friends were not only close teammates but also like brothers to Joshua, having formed a strong bond over the years. Ghami was Joshua's strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer.
Joshua has been open about the traumatic experience of losing his loved ones in such a tragic manner. However, he chose to channel his grief into something positive by sharing this heartfelt message with his fans.
He also spoke about how Ghami and Ayodele's deaths have made him realize that "one day my time will come" but he is not scared, adding that knowing they are on the other side makes everything more bearable. He vowed to help their families achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams.
Joshua has returned to training at the gym in recent days, posting a Snapchat video of himself hitting the pads, which was interpreted as "mental strength therapy".
Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Joshua will return to boxing when the time is right, adding that he has been supporting his friend during this difficult period.
just saw anthony joshua's emotional vid and it's breaking my heart 
he's been through so much but still stays positive and focused on helping others... i think that's what we can all learn from him 
latif and sina were more than just teammates to him, they were like brothers 
and it's clear how much he misses them 
his message is a beautiful reminder to appreciate the people in our lives while they're still with us 
, these 2 guys were like family 2 u anthony joshua 
, it's not easy 2 be in his shoes 
, but he's a strong guy & i got faith in him 
, only time wll tell when he'll return 2 boxing tho 
i'm so proud of him for being strong & sharing his feelings with us all 
can't w8 4 him 2 get back 2 boxing, im sure eddie hearne knows wht he's doing 
... Anthony Joshua just dropped this super raw vlog and it's honestly giving me ALL THE FEELS 
He's gotta be one of the most supportive promoters out there, always having his back even when things get tough 
. Let's keep sending love and positivity to Joshua and his fam during this tough time 
. He's been through some tough times before, but this one feels different... the way he's talking about how his loved ones passing away makes him think about his own mortality, it's like, whoa 
. Fingers crossed Anthony Joshua can find some peace of mind and focus on helping Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele's families in any way he can...
the way he's handling this loss is really inspiring, btw. i feel bad for latif & sina's fam tho 
gotta respect eddie for keepin it real and supportin his friend during this tough time 
... and honestly, eddie hearn saying joshua will return to boxing when the time is right feels like a good vibe too 
... and that he should enjoy every moment with the people he loves 
Ghami and Latif were like brothers to him, it's sad they had to leave us too soon 
. Joshua is a total boss 
. mental strength therapy is a real thing 
Can you believe Joshuas's training is actually mental health? Like, isn't that what therapy is for? 
He's hitting pads on Snapchat and calling it a "mental strength therapy session" - sounds legit 
. On a more serious note, I'm glad he's finding ways to cope with his loss, but still... 
minor injuries in a car crash? That's just crazy. Glad no one else was hurt 
. But it's great to hear that knowing his friends are on the other side makes everything more bearable 
.