Anthony Joshua left the hospital just two days after a tragic car accident claimed the lives of his friends.
Two of the former heavyweight champion’s close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, died when their car hit a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos, Nigeria. Joshua suffered minor injuries and received immediate treatment at a local hospital. On Wednesday, officials confirmed he has been discharged and can continue his recovery at home.
Visiting his friends’ final farewell
After leaving the hospital, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home to honor the two friends. Lagos state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotoso, shared a New Year’s Eve update on the tragedy. Omotoso confirmed in a joint statement with Ogun state, posted on X, that Joshua was clinically fit to recuperate at home. The statement added that Joshua and his mother were present as the friends were prepared for repatriation later that evening. Joshua has not commented publicly about the crash, his health, or the passing of his friends.
Boxing world rallies behind Joshua
The crash occurred just 10 days after Joshua broke Jake Paul’s jaw in a fight on December 19. Paul, who lost in six rounds, sent his condolences after hearing about the accident. “Life is much more important than boxing,” he said. “I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Joshua also received messages of support from former rivals, including Francis Ngannou and Oleksandr Usyk. Tyson Fury, who is rumored to face Joshua next, paused their rivalry to express sympathy. Fury posted a picture of Joshua with Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami and wrote: “This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven.” He added: “There is no tomorrow, live, love, and give.”
