Anthony Joshua, has broken public silence for the first time since a car crash that killed two of the former world heavyweight champion’s close friends in Nigeria.
On Thursday night, Joshua addressed the tragedy publicly for the first time through a heartfelt video posted on his social media platforms, where he also expressed gratitude to fans and well-wishers for their support.
He said: “The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami, we had so many plans to wrap up 2025. We went home, to see our families and everything go flipped on it’s head.
“That was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control. And not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself, lose two great men.
“We lost people that we really care about have been major players in all of our lives, major, major players in all of our lives. It’s tough. It’s really tough.
“I’m not gonna sit here and show all of my emotions. I know in today’s day and age, it’s easy to analyse people, pass judgment, but I know what I thought, and I know how I feel.”
Joshua went on to reflect on the depth of his relationship with the late Ghami and Ayodele, describing them as far more than colleagues.
He added: “I know what my duty is. They were my brothers, my friends, first and foremost. Then we became business partners, we became hustlers, we became generals, we became everything. We became housemates, who were living together.
“I know what I have got to do,” Joshua said in the video shared Thursday evening, speaking directly into the camera.
“I’m going to do what is right by them, do what is right by their family, and it is about what is important.”
Joshua added that he understood what the pair had “wanted to do for their families” and that his goal “is to continue to help them achieve their goals”.
Ayodele was the personal trainer of the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, while Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach. Both died at the scene of the crash.
In his video, Joshua gave little away about his boxing plans, but noted “the mission must go on”.
“It ain’t about legacy, it’s just about doing what is right, and I know I am going to do what is right by them,” he reiterated.
The accident occurred weeks after Joshua stopped YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami to stay on course to face old foe Tyson Fury this year.
Fury has since announced his eagerly anticipated return to the ring and is set to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.
The fate of the mooted all-British battle between the two heavyweights Joshua and Fury remains unclear, with speculation that the former could now retire.
But promoter Eddie Hearn has said the 36-year-old Joshua would be given all the time he needed to cope with the loss.
Earlier this month, Joshua shared online footage of himself returning to the gym, hitting pads with a trainer for what he called “mental strength therapy”.
Joshua said: “One day my time will come, and I’m not scared either at all. It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side.
“I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that, my left and my right, you know?”
