Anthony Joshua has penned an emotional message to his two associates who died in a car accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Joshua shared the heartfelt message on his Instagram page on Thursday.
The former heavyweight boxing champion sustained minor injuries in the crash, which occurred on December 29, while Kevin Latif Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, died in the accident.
The 36-year-old boxer was treated and discharged from the hospital on New Year’s Eve before returning to the UK afterwards.
He visited the bereaved families and was also present at the funeral prayer of his late friends at the London Central Mosque.
Joshua said he did not realise he was “in the presence of great men” until he lost his close associates.
He added that the death has been tough for him, but “even tougher for their parents”.
“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are,” the post reads.
“I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men. 100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
The Nigerian police confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without a valid license.
A magistrate’s court adjourned the case until January 20. The defendant was granted bail of N5,000,000, but remains in custody pending fulfilment of his bail conditions.
