Hearn issues emotional statement as he tributes | Boxing News

Eddie Hearn has paid a heartfelt tribute to Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latz’ Ayodele, the 2 close pals of Anthony Joshua who tragically misplaced their lives in a car crash in Nigeriaon Monday. The two-time heavyweight boxing champion was rushed to hospital with minor accidents following the incident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, while Ghami and Ayodele had been declared useless at the scene.

The premature deaths of the strength and conditioning coach and the personal coach, both close companions of AJ, have sparked quite a few online tributes. Now, Matchroom Boxing head, Hearn, has prolonged his condolences as Joshua continues his recovery. Posting on Instagram, the 46-year-old shared a collection of images that includes Joshua, Latz and Sina.

Alongside them, he wrote: “Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”

Reports recommend that the accident occurred when a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and 4 others collided with a stationary lorry during an overtaking manoeuvre. A spokesperson for Joshua, who was pulled from the wreckage with minor accidents, said: “It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

“Both had been close pals and integral members of Anthony’s crew. We respectfully ask that space and privateness be given to the households at this time while they course of this actually stunning and devastating news.

“Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation. No further information will be made available at this time.”

Ayodele, a close buddy of Joshua’s and a key member of his tight-knit training crew, was current at the 36-year-old’s current bout with Jake Paul in Miami. Based in Dubai, he served as Joshua’s personal coach, aiding with AJ’s fitness, conditioning and combat preparations.

Ghami, on the other hand, had been the boxer’s strength and conditioning coach for over a decade. Also based in Dubai, Ghami was a licensed sports activities and exercise rehabilitator specialising in musculoskeletal injury and corrective exercise.

It comes as Joshua’s household have supplied an update on the Briton’s health as he recovers from the crash. David Joshua, an older brother of Joshua’s father, Robert, said: “We have not been allowed to see him, but from information given by authorities, he is responding to treatment.”

Meanwhile, AJ’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, explained: “The incident shook our family deeply. Though our son, Anthony, is alive, two of his friends, who came to celebrate with us, lost their lives. This is a serious tragedy, not only for our family, but for Ogun State, Nigeria, and the world at large. We are deeply saddened that two people very close to Anthony did not survive. Our hearts are with their families.”

In another message, long-standing boxing rival, Oleksandr Usyk prolonged his sympathies to Joshua following the accident earlier this week. The undisputed Ukrainian champion, who has confronted Joshua in the ring twice, shared on Instagram: “This is an unbelievable loss.

“[Sina and Latz] had been two unimaginable people who weren’t only half of AJ’s crew, but also pals! My honest condolences to their households, family members, and everybody who knew them. Anthony Joshua – wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong, champion.”

Joshua’s most current opponent, Paul, also took to X on Monday to categorical his condolences after the tragic event. He added: “Life is way more important than boxing. I’m praying for the misplaced lives, AJ and anybody impacted by today’s unlucky accident.”