Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has shared the emotional toll of losing two close friends in a fatal car accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The revelation came during a candid conversation with UFC star Kamaru Usman, posted on YouTube on Wednesday.
The crash, which occurred on December 29, claimed the lives of Joshua’s friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, while Joshua survived with injuries. He was pulled from the wreckage and treated at Duchess International Hospital before returning to the United Kingdom.
In the video, Joshua, bandaged around his head and torso, told Usman that the reality of the loss “still hasn’t sunk in.” He described the seating arrangement in the vehicle, revealing that one friend was in the front and the other behind him on the right side. “They both passed away. It still hasn’t hit me yet,” he said.
Usman expressed sympathy, noting Joshua’s impact on the world. “Life is short, man. Life is short. And now look, I get to speak with you for the first time,” Joshua reflected, highlighting the fragility of life.
Joshua also acknowledged the widespread attention following the accident. “It’s crazy because, obviously, we deal with the haters and all the bull every time, and it sucks that it takes something serious like this to really see how many people have their eyes on you,” he said.
On Sunday, Joshua shared a photograph of himself standing with the families of the deceased, captioning it: “My Brother’s Keeper.” The image shows the former champion offering solidarity and support to those grieving during a difficult time.
The accident and Joshua’s reflections underscore the personal challenges faced by athletes beyond the public spotlight, as well as the impact of sudden loss on their lives.
