PROFILES: Anthony Joshua’s two friends, Sina and Latif, who died in Monday crash

Two of Anthony Joshua’s closest friends have been named as the individuals who died in a car crash, which left the two-time world heavyweight champion injured in Nigeria.

Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, identified the victims as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both long-standing members of the boxer’s inner circle. The organisation confirmed the tragedy in an official statement.

The outpouring of tributes from across the boxing world — from rivals to champions — speaks to the profound respect and affection they commanded.

Sina and Latif, both long-time friends of Joshua, were killed after the Lexus SUV they were all travelling in smashed into a stationary truck shortly after 11:00 am on Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Makun.

Joshua was seated in the rear of the vehicle when the collision occurred.

Sina Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade.

He also co-founded Evolve Gym in London.

According to the gym’s website, Ghami is a certified sports and exercise rehabilitator who specialises in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise.

Ghami had worked with athletes across several sports, including the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and the Michigan State University football team.

He was a key presence in Joshua’s corner during several landmark bouts, most notably the historic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium — a defining moment in modern heavyweight boxing.

Latif Ayodele, widely known as Latz, was Joshua’s personal trainer.

Ayodele regularly posted photos with Joshua on his Instagram page and was seen with the boxer shortly before the accident.

While he officially served as Joshua’s personal trainer, Latz was also one of his closest friends.

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According to The Mirror, he was deeply passionate about fitness and played a central role in Joshua’s day-to-day training routines.

Born Kevin Ayodele, he later converted to Islam and adopted the name Abdul Latif. Those who knew him described him as deeply committed to his faith and dedicated to inspiring others through discipline, training, and example.

With over 11,000 followers on Instagram, @Healthy_Mindset was not merely a username but a philosophy. Latz built a community by authentically promoting a lifestyle built on discipline, rigorous physical training, and mental resilience. He lived the creed he preached, becoming a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.