Anthony Joshua inks heartfelt tattoo tribute to two friends killed in Ogun State car crash

In a moving act of remembrance, Anthony Joshua has revealed a touching new tattoo honouring two close friends killed in a car crash during a trip to Nigeria.

The British heavyweight boxing star, whose Nigerian heritage runs deep, etched the names "LATZ" and "SINA" beneath an outline of Africa on his right arm.

This simple yet striking design pays tribute to Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, his personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, who tragically passed away in the December incident.

Joshua mourned the loss of his close friends, through several public tributes and deeply personal actions following the tragic accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. 

The tattoo, done at Fulham Tattoo London, joins Joshua's collection of meaningful body art, including biblical quotes and family symbols.

It symbolises not just sorrow but enduring loyalty from men who helped forge his path from 2012 Olympic gold to world titles.

On December 29, 2025, Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident in the Makun area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

The incident occurred around 11:00 AM near the Danco Filling Station as Joshua’s two-vehicle convoy was traveling toward Sagamu for New Year celebrations.

Joshua was a passenger in a black Lexus SUV with the registration number KRD 850 HN, which was carrying four occupants in total. According to reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the vehicle was traveling at high speed when it lost control during an overtaking maneuver and crashed into a stationary truck parked by the roadside.

While some initial police reports suggested a tire burst as the cause, the FRSC cited excessive speed and wrongful overtaking as primary factors. Two of Joshua’s close friends and team members, personal trainer Latif "Latz" Ayodele and strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami, were killed instantly in the collision. 

AJ sustained minor injuries and was rescued from the wreckage by witnesses and local residents before being taken to a hospital for treatment. He was later discharged and returned to the United Kingdom.

The driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was arrested and faces a four-count charge including dangerous driving causing death and driving without a valid license.

He was granted bail in the sum of 5 million Naira, and the Sagamu Magistrate Court has adjourned the trial until February 25, 2026, to allow for further legal advice from the Ogun State Attorney General.