Eddie Hearn has paid a heartfelt tribute to Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latz’ Ayodele, the two close friends of Anthony Joshua who tragically lost their lives in a car crash in Nigeriaon Monday. The two-time heavyweight boxing champion was rushed to hospital with minor injuries following the incident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, while Ghami and Ayodele were declared dead at the scene.

The untimely deaths of the strength and conditioning coach and the personal trainer, both close companions of AJ, have sparked numerous online tributes. Now, Matchroom Boxing head, Hearn, has extended his condolences as Joshua continues his recovery. Posting on Instagram, the 46-year-old shared a series of photos featuring Joshua, Latz and Sina.

Alongside them, he wrote: “Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”

Reports suggest that the accident happened when a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and four others collided with a stationary lorry during an overtaking manoeuvre. A spokesperson for Joshua, who was pulled from the wreckage with minor injuries, said: “It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

“Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team. We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news.

“Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation. No further information will be made available at this time.”

Ayodele, a close friend of Joshua’s and a key member of his tight-knit training team, was present at the 36-year-old’s recent bout with Jake Paul in Miami. Based in Dubai, he served as Joshua’s personal trainer, assisting with AJ’s fitness, conditioning and fight preparations.

Ghami, on the other hand, had been the boxer’s strength and conditioning coach for over a decade. Also based in Dubai, Ghami was a certified sports and exercise rehabilitator specialising in musculoskeletal injury and corrective exercise.

It comes as Joshua’s family have provided an update on the Briton’s health as he recovers from the crash. David Joshua, an older brother of Joshua’s father, Robert, said: “We have not been allowed to see him, but from information given by authorities, he is responding to treatment.”

Meanwhile, AJ’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, explained: “The incident shook our family deeply. Though our son, Anthony, is alive, two of his friends, who came to celebrate with us, lost their lives. This is a serious tragedy, not only for our family, but for Ogun State, Nigeria, and the world at large. We are deeply saddened that two people very close to Anthony did not survive. Our hearts are with their families.”

In another message, long-standing boxing rival, Oleksandr Usyk extended his sympathies to Joshua following the accident earlier this week. The undisputed Ukrainian champion, who has faced Joshua in the ring twice, shared on Instagram: “This is an unbelievable loss.

“[Sina and Latz] were two incredible people who were not only part of AJ’s team, but also friends! My sincere condolences to their families, loved ones, and everyone who knew them. Anthony Joshua – wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong, champion.”

Joshua’s most recent opponent, Paul, also took to X on Monday to express his condolences after the tragic event. He added: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”