Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has pledged to continue the work and goals of his late trainer, Latif Ayodele, known as Laz and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, following their deaths in a road accident in Nigeria.
Joshua made the pledge in a video shared on his official Facebook page on Thursday, saying he remained committed to supporting the families of the two men and completing what they had set out to achieve.
“The mission must go on. I understand their duties and what they wanted to do for their families. My goal now is to help them achieve their goals even though they are not here in the physical,” Joshua said.
He explained that he decided to address the public directly in response to messages and support he had received since the incident.
“I am here in front of a camera speaking with all of you people live. This is the best way I can reach out to everyone who has been showing love and support since we lost Laz and Sina in Nigeria,” he said.
Joshua said the last time he spoke to fans was while he was in Miami, where his team had been concluding plans for 2025 before returning home.
“We had so many places to wrap up 2025 and we were on a mission. We went back home to see our families and everything changed,” he said.
Reflecting on the incident, Joshua said the loss was beyond human control.
“We can plan to the best of our abilities, but that was an unforeseen circumstance,” he said.
He said the deaths affected him personally, describing both men as central figures in his life.
“Not only did their families lose, I myself lost two men who were major players in my life,” he said.
Joshua said his relationship with Ayodele and Ghami went beyond work.
“They were my brothers and my friends. Then we became business partners. We lived together and worked together,” he said.
He said their absence had left a gap, noting that they were with him throughout his career.
“I’ve lost people before, but not people who were my right and left,” he said.
Joshua said his faith has helped him cope with the loss.
“One day my time will come and I’m not scared. It gives me confidence that I have two brothers on the other side,” he said.
He added that continuing their work would involve support from others.
“It’s not just me. There is a team that will help continue their legacies,” he said.
Joshua also acknowledged messages and prayers from supporters.
“We saw the messages and prayers. On behalf of me and their families, we acknowledge your love,” he said.
Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami died in a road accident on December 29, 2025, while travelling as part of Joshua’s team in Nigeria.
Their deaths drew tributes from members of the boxing community and fans worldwide.
