Anthony Joshua has paid an emotional tribute to two friends who died in a road crash in Nigeria.
Joshua was in the car with Sheena Gami and Latif “Ratz” Ayodele when they lost their lives in the collision. The former heavyweight world champion suffered minor injuries himself.
Following his December win over Jake Paul, Joshua was in Nigeria visiting family when tragedy struck.
Joshua spoke publicly about the loss in a social media video, admitting he went through a “traumatic period.”
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Promoter Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua needs to take some time off from boxing before deciding on his future following the tragic deaths of close friends Sheena Gami and Latif Ayodele.
“We went home to visit our family and everything was turned upside down,” Joshua said. “It was an unexpected situation and there was nothing we could do about it.
“Not only have their parents, uncles, cousins, their friends, and myself lost two great people, but we have also lost people we hold dear to our hearts and have played an important role in all of our lives.”
He added, “It’s hard. It’s really hard. I’m not going to sit here and give away all my emotions. I know in this day and age it’s easy to dissect and judge people. I know what I feel and that’s what’s important to me. I know what my obligations are. First and foremost, they’re my brothers and they’re my friends.”
“I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve ever lost someone like this. My left and my right…they were very important team members, very important friends, two of my brothers.
“I’m a big man, but I walked with giants who protected me and protected me.”
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Following the accident, boxing reporter Andy Scott said there had been an “outpouring of love” and support for those involved in the car crash.
He has plans to support their memory and their families, saying, “My goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals.
“It’s not just physical strength that will get me through. It’s going to take a lot of strength from a higher power. So I’ll definitely say my prayers and help them realize their dreams for their families. It’s not just me, it’s our whole team.”
“I’m going to do what’s right for them, and I’m going to do what’s right for their families.”
Joshua has injuries and trauma to recover from, but he has given no indication that he plans to retire from boxing in the near future.
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Heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley says Anthony Joshua needs time to recover and decide whether to box again.
“In my corner of the world, I know what I’m going to do,” he said. “What can I say? One day my turn will come… But the mission must go on. I understand my duty.
“It’s not about leaving a legacy. It’s just doing the right thing. I know I’m going to do the right thing for them. I know what I have to do.”
He also appreciated all the compliments paid to Sheena and Latz. “I still don’t understand. It’s just how popular my two friends[are]. We just grew up together. I know them as friends, but they’ve built very strong characters over the years,” Joshua concluded.
“I think their parents are 100 percent proud of them because I am.
“Thank you for all the love around the world,” he added. “To my son, my brother, and all those who have lost their love for you.”
