Anthony Joshua narrowly avoided tragedy after changing seats just before a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two of his friends. The incident occurred on Monday, resulting in Joshua sustaining minor injuries and being hospitalized. The driver of the vehicle has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, claiming that the brakes malfunctioned.
According to Joshua’s lawyer, the journey began in Lagos, where Joshua initially sat in the front seat but later switched with another passenger due to visibility issues. The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with multiple offenses including causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid license. The case has been adjourned to January 20, as confirmed by the Ogun State Police Command.
Ghami and Ayodele, the deceased, were close friends of Joshua, with Ghami serving as his strength and conditioning coach and Ayodele as a trainer. Joshua, who recently triumphed over Jake Paul in Miami, was vacationing in Nigeria at the time of the accident. The boxing community, including Eddie Hearn and notable champions like Tony Bellew and Tyson Fury, have expressed condolences for the tragic loss.
After being discharged from the hospital on New Year’s Eve, Joshua has refrained from public statements. He was deemed fit to recover at home by medical professionals. Accompanied by his mother, Joshua paid his respects at the funeral home in Lagos where his friends were being prepared for repatriation.