- Safiu Kehinde
Nigerian-British boxer, Anthony Joshua, has again spoken on the death of his friends, Sina Ghami and Lateef Ayodele, who died in a ghastly road accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The former World Heavyweight Boxing champion who escaped death by whisker in the lone accident in December last year admitted that the tragic incident was unforeseen and beyond their control.
He made this known while speaking in an emotional video posted on YouTube on Thursday.
Joshua, in the video, reflected on his time together with Ghami and Ayodele, who were his fitness coach and personal trainer respectively.
He described the death as loss of major players in his life and that of their families.
Joshua further acknowledged the inevitability of death as he maintained that he will be unfazed whenever his time comes.
“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 to see our families, and everything just got flicked upside down.
“Of course, we can plan to the best of our capability but that was such an unforeseen circumstance. It was out of our control.
“Not only did their parents, their uncles, their friends and myself lose two great men, we lost people that we daily care about and have been like major players in our lives.
“It’s tough. I’m not going to sit here and show all of my emotions. It’s easy to micro analyse people and pass judgement but I know how I feel.
“They are my brothers. They are my friends first and foremost. Then we became business partners, hustlers, lieutenants, Generals.
“We became everything. We became housemates. We were living together. It’s a shame. What can I say? One day my time will come and I’m not scared either.” He said.
The former heavyweight champion further described their death as a personal loss to him.
He however vowed to help them achieve their goals and do whatever he can to support their families.
“I’ve lost people before but I don’t think I’ve lost people that are my left and my right.
“I didn’t realise that I was working with giants. They kept me protected. The kept me shielded. But the mission must go on. 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 in the physical, but when I pray at night and in the morning, I know their spirits are going to aid me through.
“It’s not just physical strength that will get me through. It’s going to take a lot of high powers. I’m going to definitely put them in prayers and I’m going to help them fulfil their dreams for their families.
“Not only me. There is a whole team of us, a whole brotherhood and sisterhood that will be helping fulfill their legacy and dreams.
“But in my corner, I know what I will be doing. I know I’m going to do what’s right for them.” He said.
Joshua expressed his gratitude to their fans and well-wishers for their words of encouragement and support.