British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time following the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends in December 2025.

In a video posted on his official Instagram page on Thursday, the former heavyweight champion expressed grief over the loss of his friends, Latif Ayodele, popularly known as Latz, and Gami Sina, describing them as his “brothers.”

“So this is the best way I could reach out to all of you, far and wide, worldwide, who were showing so much love, care, support through that tragic, traumatic time where we lost Latz and Sina in Nigeria,” Joshua said in the video.

The accident, which occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, also left the boxer injured.

Joshua said the incident came unexpectedly after the group had made plans to conclude the year together.

“The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission. We went back home, went to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside on its head,” he said.

Reflecting on the loss, Joshua said the death of his friends had deeply affected him and their families.

“Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends, and myself lose like two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about. They were major players in all of our lives,” he said.

He added, “They’re my brothers, they’re my friends first and foremost, and then we became business partners. We became everything.”

Joshua said he remained determined to support the families of the deceased.

“I understand my duty. I understand what they wanted to do for their families, so my goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals, even though they may not be here in the physical,” he said.

“It ain’t about legacy. It’s just doing what’s right, and I know what I’m going to do — what’s right for them and what’s right for their family,” he said.

In the caption accompanying the video, Joshua wrote: “A short message from the heart. My brother’s keeper for life.”

He also expressed appreciation to individuals and institutions that supported him after the crash.

“I want to take a moment to show a massive amount of appreciation to the first responders, to everyone who rushed to help Latz and Sina, to those who helped me get to the hospital, and to all the locals who prayed for us at the scene,” he wrote.

Joshua thanked the medical team at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, naming Dr Ogunyankin, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr Ninalowo for their care.

He also acknowledged the British Deputy High Commissioner and Deputy Head of Mission, Simon Field, as well as business leaders Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote for logistical support.

“Without you guys, the transition back to the UK wouldn’t have been as smooth,” he said.

The boxer further thanked Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, President Bola Tinubu, and senior security officials for their intervention and follow-up.

“Thank you so much for your personal involvement, daily follow-ups and all your efforts,” Joshua said.

Punch Online reported that the accident claimed the lives of Latif Ayodele (Latz), 36, and Gami Sina, 36. Joshua was pulled from the wreckage and taken to Duchess International Hospital, where he received treatment.

Meanwhile, the driver involved in the crash, Adeniyi Kayode, 46, has appeared before a magistrate’s court in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The magistrate, Olajumoke Somefu, adjourned the case until February 25 after the prosecution sought time to transmit the case file to the Ogun State Attorney-General’s Office through the Department of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

Joshua’s uncle has reportedly said the boxer would not want the driver to be jailed over the incident. (PUNCH)

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