Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly about the loss of two close friends who died in a fatal car crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Joshua, who survived the accident, recounted the incident and the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele during a conversation with UFC star Kamaru Usman.
The exchange, captured in a YouTube video posted by Usman on Wednesday, showed the British-Nigerian boxer recovering in a Lagos hospital after the December 29 crash.
The accident occurred a day before an MMA event in Lagos, which Joshua had been scheduled to attend.
Joshua, wrapped in bandages and lying in a treatment bed at Duchess International Hospital, said he was still grappling with the reality of his friends’ passing.
He told Usman that one victim was seated in the front passenger seat and the other behind when the vehicle crashed.
“One was in the front and one was behind him, on the right side. They both passed away,” he said.
“It still hasn’t sunk in. It still hasn’t hit me yet.”
Usman, sympathetic throughout the exchange, replied: “You scared the world. I’m sorry for that, man.”
The former UFC welterweight champion reflected on the fragility of life. Joshua responded: “Life is short, man… now look, I get to speak with you for the first time.”
In a follow-up acknowledgment of the massive public concern the crash generated, Usman noted: “It sucks that it takes something serious like this to really see how many people have their eyes on you.”
Joshua has since been discharged and returned to the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the heavyweight star broke his silence on Sunday, posting a photo with the bereaved families on social media.
He captioned it simply: “My Brother’s Keeper.”
The gesture was widely interpreted as a show of solidarity and support as the families mourn the sudden loss.