On December 29, 2025, the boxing world was shocked when news of a serious car accident involving former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua spread.

Joshua, who had scored an impressive knockout victory over Jake Paul just 10 days earlier in Miami, was resting in Nigeria – his parents’ original homeland – when the heartbreaking incident occurred.

The Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and two close friends and team members crashed into a truck parked on the side of the road on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, one of the most dangerous routes in Nigeria.

According to reliable sources from the Nigerian police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and major newspapers such as The Guardian, Sky Sports, CNN, BBC, the accident occurred due to tire explosion combined with high speed and illegal overtaking attempts.

Driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was charged with dangerous driving causing death, driving without a valid license and several other crimes.

He has been released on bail but is still detained pending the completion of procedures. The trial is scheduled for January 20, 2026.

Anthony Joshua sat in the back seat, luckily only suffered minor injuries and was released from the hospital a few days later.

However, two front-seat passengers – strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele (aka Kevin Latif Ayodele) – died at the scene.

These are two close friends and important members of Joshua’s team for many years.

Ghami is an injury recovery and prevention specialist who often accompanies Joshua on training trips, while Ayodele is a longtime trainer, even appearing in Joshua’s first photos when he first entered his professional boxing career.

Just a few hours before the accident, Joshua and Ayodele also posted a video of having fun playing table tennis on Instagram. Those final images have now become immeasurably painful for family, friends and the boxing community.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directly called Joshua to express his condolences and wished him a speedy recovery. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter from Matchroom Boxing, also expressed his deep sadness: “Rest in peace, Latz and Sina.

Your energy and loyalty will be forever remembered.”

The boxing community quickly offered condolences. Jake Paul, the opponent who was just knocked out by Joshua in round 6, posted on X (Twitter): “Life is much more important than boxing.

I am praying for the lives lost, for AJ and all those affected by this unfortunate accident.” Tyson Fury, Chris Eubank Jr.

and many other stars also expressed their condolences and prayers for Joshua and the victims’ families.

Joshua returned to England in early January 2026 to prepare for the funeral of two friends at London Central Mosque.

He posted the first photo after the accident on Instagram with the caption “My Brothers Keeper”, along with a picture of his mother and the victim’s family. Although the physical body recovers quickly, the emotional wound will certainly take a long time to heal.

This accident once again highlights the problem of traffic safety in Nigeria.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is recognized as the deadliest road in the country, with hundreds of fatal accidents each year due to high speeds, improper parking and road conditions.

In 2024, Nigeria recorded more than 5,400 deaths from traffic accidents, an increase compared to the previous year.

However, amid the general sadness, a number of baseless rumors spread on social networks and some video channels, accusing Jake Paul of being involved in the incident – ​​from vandalizing cars to plotting revenge after the loss.

These allegations include Paul allegedly “sabotaging” the car’s brakes leading to a fatal accident, even involving the FBI investigation.

In fact, there is no evidence from the Nigerian police, FRSC, or any reputable source that proves Jake Paul’s involvement.

Paul was in America after the match, and he was one of the first to offer his condolences publicly.

These rumors appear to stem from edited videos or fake content, often inspired by the rivalry between Joshua and Paul before the fight.

Boxing experts like Eddie Hearn, Tyson Fury, Johnny Nelson or Alexander Usyk all focused only on condolences and emphasizing the fragility of life, without mentioning any conspiracy.

Usyk even emphasized: “Life is more important than reputation.”

The accident was a pure tragedy due to traffic factors, not a conspiracy from the opponent.

Spreading false information not only disrespects the victim but also further hurts Joshua – who is facing the greatest loss of his career.

Anthony Joshua, from a Watford boy with Nigerian roots, rose to the pinnacle of boxing: 2012 Olympic gold, two-time world champion.

He overcame many defeats, from losing to Andy Ruiz to Daniel Dubois, to come back strong with a victory over Paul. Now, the biggest challenge is not on the stage but overcoming the pain of losing a close friend.

Joshua’s story reminds us of the fragility of life. Even if you are a top star, no one is immune to unexpected disasters.

Hopefully he will find the strength to continue, and justice will be served to the driver who caused the incident. Rest in peace, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele – two brothers forever in the hearts of Anthony Joshua and the boxing world.