The sports world came to a heartbreaking standstill when news broke of a deadly car accident involving the British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua.
The crash, which happened on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, took the lives of two of his dearest friends and key trainers, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz.” While Joshua survived with some injuries, the loss of these two incredible people has left a huge void in his life and in the hearts of many.
These guys weren’t just part of his team—they were like family. They pushed him through tough workouts, stood by him in the quiet moments, and shared a connection that went way deeper than boxing. People who knew them talk about their warmth, unwavering loyalty, and the uplifting vibe they brought to every room.
Just before the tragedy, there was this sweet moment caught on video where they were all laughing and playing table tennis together. It was shared online only hours before the accident hit on December 29th, making the loss feel even more sudden and painful.
Even the president reached out to Anthony Joshua, offering condolences and wishing him a quick recovery. He chatted with Joshua’s mom too, sending prayers her way, and mentioned that the local governor was making sure Joshua got top-notch care at the hospital. The president also shared thoughts for the families, hoping they’d find strength in this tough time, and wished peace for the souls of those who passed.
Who Was Latif “Latz”?
Known in the fitness world as Healthy Mindset, Latif—full name Kevin Latif Ayodele—was a dedicated personal trainer. He was on the road with Joshua’s crew in Ogun State when the crash happened. Sadly, he and another teammate didn’t make it, though Anthony Joshua and a few others only had minor bumps and bruises.
Latif’s online presence showed his love for the UK, UAE, and Nigeria, though his background wasn’t something he broadcasted widely. In an old chat, he opened up about growing up in the English countryside in Cheshire before heading to Watford as a kid. Life wasn’t easy—he was mostly raised by his grandparents, and after they passed, he had to fend for himself young, juggling jobs and school.
Those hard times built his grit. He kicked off his Healthy Mindset brand in his early 20s, focusing on a mix of body, mind, and spirit. Before that, he played semi-pro football as a defender, even trying out for some English clubs, but injuries pushed him toward training instead.
He and Joshua went way back to their teen days in Watford. Their friendship turned into a solid partnership, with Latif joining the training squad for big fights. He was more than a coach—he was that reliable friend who kept things steady.
Who Was Sina Ghami?
Sina, or Sina Evolve as many called him, co-founded Evolve Gym in the UK, specializing in fitness and rehab. He was a pro in sports rehab, dealing with muscle injuries and getting athletes back in top form. He honed his skills in the US, including time at Michigan State University working with their football squad.
His resume was stacked—he helped top players in the NFL and NBA, like Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors and Le’Veon Bell from the Pittsburgh Steelers. But his bond with Joshua was special; they’d been tight since childhood, and for over a decade, Sina was his go-to rehab coach.
He traveled everywhere with Joshua, handling injury prevention and recovery for massive fights. He was right there in the corner for epic moments, like the 2017 win against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley—that’s stuff boxing fans will never forget. Sina’s knack for blending medical know-how with high-level performance made him a go-to in pro sports circles.
Outpouring of Support
In the days after, tributes flooded in online. One of Joshua’s boxing rivals, Jake Paul, shared his sorrow, saying life matters way more than the ring. He sent prayers for everyone affected, especially the families, and wished peace for Sina and Latif.
Social media was full of personal stories too. One person remembered Latif as a “good, solid, kind guy who always had a smile,” sending love to his loved ones. Another hoped for peace and strength for everyone grieving. For Sina, folks shared how heartbreaking it was, even if they didn’t know him personally, with messages like “Rest easy, champ” and prayers for his circle.
This tragedy reminds us how fragile life can be, especially for those chasing dreams on the global stage. Joshua’s road to recovery will be tough, but the memories of Sina and Latif will no doubt fuel him forward.