Anthony Joshua sends heartfelt private messages to Jake Paul after deadly Nigeria car crash days after Netflix fight
Anthony Joshua did not just walk away from his fight with Jake Paul carrying another win. Just days later, his life changed in a way no boxing match ever could. Only ten days after knocking out Jake Paul in their Netflix fight in Miami, Joshua was involved in a serious car crash in Nigeria that took the lives of two people very close to him.
The crash happened on December 29 while Joshua was traveling with lifelong friends Kevin Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami, along with a driver. Joshua survived, but both Ayodele and Ghami lost their lives. The former heavyweight world champion has since been grieving deeply and has stayed mostly quiet, sharing only short tributes online.
Even in that painful time, Joshua noticed a gesture that meant a lot to him. Jake Paul’s promotion company honored his late friends during a boxing event in Puerto Rico on January 3. Their names were printed on the ring canvas. That moment led to private messages between Joshua and Paul that showed respect beyond the ring.
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Anthony Joshua appreciates Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions for honoring his late friends
The tribute was done by Most Valuable Promotions, the company founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. After seeing the gesture, Joshua personally reached out to Paul and MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian.
Speaking to SunSport, Bidarian shared how the exchange went. He said, “They had some tremendous exchanges. Anthony Joshua was a gentleman. He sent us a few very nice messages given we took some efforts around our January 3 card to recognize Sina and Latz. There is a deep respect there for each other as human beings.”
Joshua, 36, continues to honor his late friends through social media posts and short videos as he mourns their loss. His promoter Eddie Hearn has said Joshua is still grieving but believes he will keep fighting with their memory in his heart.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul, 29, is currently under medical suspension following the fight, where Joshua stopped him in six rounds and left him with a broken jaw. Bidarian said Paul can return to sparring in June and may fight again by August.
Bidarian also shared Paul’s mindset after facing Joshua. He said, “Jake studied AJ and felt he could make him miss. He landed some nice shots, but his cardio gave out. That is the reality of that fight.” He added that Paul has been honest about opponents he does not want to face, naming David Benavidez, but said Paul is confident against most others.
Bidarian was in London to announce a new deal between MVP and Sky Sports, which marks the broadcaster’s return to boxing. The upcoming April 5 event at Kensington Olympia will be headlined by Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper.
