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Anthony Joshua has paid an emotional tribute to his two friends who died in a car accident in Nigeria.
Joshua was in the vehicle with Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele when they lost their lives in the collision. The former heavyweight world champion sustained minor injuries himself.
After recording a victory over Jake Paul in a bout in December, Joshua was in Nigeria visiting family when the tragedy occurred.
Joshua acknowledged he’d been through a “traumatic time” as he spoke publicly in a social media video about the loss.
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Promoter Eddie Hearn had said that Anthony Joshua would need to take time away from boxing before deciding on his future following the tragic passing of close friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
“We went back home, went to see our families and everything just got flipped upside on its head,” Joshua said. “That was such an unforeseen circumstance, that was out of all our control.
“Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself lose two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about and have been major players in all of our lives.”
He added: “It’s tough. It’s really tough. I’m not going to sit here and show all of my emotions. I know in today’s day and age it’s easy to micro-analyse people and pass judgement. I know what I feel and that’s what matters to me. I know what my duty is. They’re my brothers, they’re my friends, first and foremost.
“I’ve lost people before. But I don’t think I’ve lost people like that. My left and my right… They were very important team members, very important friends and two of my brothers.
“I’m the big guy but I was walking with giants that kept me protected, kept me shielded.”
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After the accident, boxing reporter Andy Scott said there has been an ‘outpouring of love’ and support for those involved in the car crash
He has plans to support their memory and their families, revealing: “My goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals.
“It’s not just physical strength that will get me through. It’s going to take a lot of strength from a higher power. So I’m definitely going to say my prayers and help them fulfil their dreams for their families – not only me there’s a whole team of us.
“I’m going to do what’s right by them, I’m going to do what’s right by their family.”
Joshua has his injuries and his trauma to recover from, but he didn’t suggest he intended to retire from boxing in the immediate future.
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Heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley had said Anthony Joshua would need time to gather himself and decide whether he will box again
“In my corner of the world I know what I’m going to be doing,” he said. “What can I say? One day my time will come… But the mission must go on. I understand my duty.
“It isn’t about legacy, it’s just doing what’s right and I know I’m going to do what’s right for them. I know what I’ve got to do.”
He was also thankful for all the tributes paid to Sina and Latz. “I still can’t get my head around, just my two friends, just how popular [they are]. We just grew up together. I’ve known them as my friends but they built such strong characters over the years,” Joshua concluded.
“I’m sure their parents are 100 per cent are proud of them because I am.
“Thank you for the love worldwide,” he added. “For anyone out there that’s lost a son, a brother, one love to you.”
