British boxer Anthony Joshua released from hospital after car crash in Nigeria
The 36-year-old two-time heavyweight champion was involved in the incident that killed two of his close friends on Monday.
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Anthony Joshua was released from hospital after spending two nights under observation following a car crash in Nigeria which killed two of his close friends.
The 36-year-old British heavyweight was discharged on Wednesday evening, a statement from the Ogun and Lagos states confirmed, describing him as “heavy hearted” over the loss of his friends.
Joshua’s team members Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele were killed when the Lexus SUV they were travelling in along with the British heavyweight collided with a stationary lorry near Lagos in Nigeria on Monday.
The Ogun and Lagos state statement added Joshua visited the funeral home where his friends were “being prepared for repatriation” after he left hospital.
The two-time heavyweight champion suffered minor injuries in the crash and did not require surgery. The driver of the vehicle also escaped without serious injury.
Eddie Hearn paid tribute to Joshua’s close friends and team members earlier on Wednesday.
“Rest in peace Latz and Sina,” Hearn, who has promoted Joshua throughout his professional career, posted on Instagram. “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.”
Ghami worked as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach focussing on recovery and has been involved in his team for over a decade. “Latz” was a long-time friend who also worked in the fitness industry.
They were all on holiday in Nigeria, where Joshua’s parents were born, and were travelling to Lagos when the tragic accident occurred.
Watford-born Joshua defeated American influencer Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami. The plan was for him to fight in Saudi Arabia in February before a potential bout with British rival Tyson Fury in September.
Investigations are still ongoing into the accident and how it occurred.
Chris McKenna spent more than 11 years working for the Daily Star as well as the Daily Mirror and Daily Express covering football and boxing. He also covered the World Cup final in 2022 and boxing’s biggest events of the last decade.