Anthony Joshua pays respects to friends killed in deadly car crash as boxer is released from hospital
Joshua was a passenger in the car and was seated in the rear of the vehicle
Boxer Anthony Joshua has been released from hospital in Nigeria after a crash that killed two of his close friends.
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The 36-year-old is now recovering at home after being released on Wednesday, Lagos state commissioner for information Gbenga Omotoso said.
Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was on holiday in Nigeria following his win over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19 when the SUV he was in crashed into a truck.
The Lexus SUV is believed to have suffered a tyre blowout during a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into a stationary truck.
Read more: Anthony Joshua takes six rounds to beat YouTuber Jake Paul as boxers booed after Miami clash
Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele both died in the crash.
Following his release from hospital, Joshua and his mother paid their final respects to the pair.
A statement from Omotoso read: “Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening.”
In addition to being long-term friends of Joshua, Ghami acted as his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was a trainer.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn – who has promoted 36-year-old Joshua since he turned professional – posted on Instagram: “Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed.
“Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”
It comes amid reports the hired driver of the SUV could face prosecution.
Sources say the heavyweight boxer's driver could potentially be prosecuted over the crash, which occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria on Monday morning.
“Anthony Joshua's driver has been discharged from the hospital, and he is currently giving his statement,” said CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, a spokesperson of the Nigerian Police Force
The local driver had reportedly been hired for the trip by AJ’s team.