On Dec. 19, Olympic gold medalist and former two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Ten days later, while visiting Nigeria, Joshua’s life was turned upside down when the car he was traveling in was involved in a deadly crash.
The accident killed two of Joshua’s closest friends, his personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and his strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami. Joshua suffered non-life-threatening.
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Joshua released a lengthy video statement on Thursday titled, “My Brothers Keeper For Life” opening up about the tragedy for the first time.
“I’ll be honest, this took me a few attempts, but I wanted to say thank you to everyone for the love and support shown since the accident,” Joshua wrote in a ‘short message’ accompanying the video.
“I also want to take a moment to show a massive amount of appreciation to the first responders, to everyone who rushed to help Latz and Sina, to those who helped me get to the hospital, and to all the locals who prayed for us at the scene.
“To the doctors and nurses at Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi, including Dr. Ogunyankin, Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, and Dr. Ninalowo, thank you for your care.
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“My appreciation also goes to the British Deputy High Commissioner and Deputy Head of Mission, Simon Field. I would also like to give a massive thank you as well to Uncle Femi Otedola and Alhaji Aliko Dangote for all their logistical support. Without you guys, the transition back to the UK wouldn’t have been as smooth. You truly went above and beyond,” he continued.
“I’d also like to acknowledge Senator Daisy Danjuma, the Honourable Commissioners for Health in Ogun and Lagos States, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun and the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos States thank you both a million times. To the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, thank you so much for your personal involvement, daily follow ups and all your efforts. And to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thank you for commissioning your team to step in and help. It means a lot.
“Finally, thank you to Cecil Hammond and to everyone who played a part. Your efforts, kindness, and support will never be forgotten.”
Watch Joshua’s heartfelt video below.
