Anthony Joshua has opened up on the tragic car crash that saw his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, lose their lives.
It’s the first time AJ has sat down in front of a camera and addressed the horrific events in December.
The heavyweight champion has kept a low profile since the crash in Lagos, in which he lost his close pals since childhood and sustained injuries himself. The funerals of Sina and Latz took place on January 4 at a mosque in London.
Joshua, 36, fought back tears as he paid a fitting tribute to his ‘two brothers’. The British boxer also addressed whether he’ll return to the ring after the traumatic event.
Anthony Joshua Not Considering Retirement
Speaking from the heart, AJ addressed his feelings as he opened up: “That was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control. And not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself, lose two great men. We lost people that we really care about have been major players in all of our lives, major, major players in all of our lives. It’s tough. It’s really tough.”
Addressing his future in boxing, which was thrown into doubt by the mental and physical issues caused by the accident, Joshua appeared to confirm he would be back in the ring eventually. He said:
“I know what my duty is. They were my brothers, my friends, first and foremost. Then we became business partners, we became hustlers, we became generals, we became everything. We became housemates, who were living together.
“I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that, my left and my right.
“The mission must go on… I understand my duty.”
Joshua Vows to Look After His Friends’ Loved Ones
The 36-year-old athlete reaffirmed his intentions to look after the loved ones and families of his late friends. Joshua stated:
“My goal is to help their families and to help them achieve their goals, even though they may not be here in the physical. I will be saying my prayers, and I’m going to help them fulfill their dreams for their families. It’s not only me though helping. There’s a whole team working on that stuff.”