Anthony Joshua speaks for the first time since a car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close team members, describing them as his “brothers”.
LONDON: Anthony Joshua has broken his public silence for the first time since a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close team members.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, the former world heavyweight champion held back tears as he reflected on the loss of personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami.
Joshua described the pair, who died at the scene of the December 29 accident, as his “brothers”.
The British fighter was a passenger in an SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a highway linking Lagos and Ibadan.
He sustained only minor injuries in the crash that claimed his friends’ lives.
“I know what I have got to do,” Joshua said in the video shared on Thursday.
“I’m going to do what is right by them, do what is right by their family and it is about what is important.”
He added that his goal now is to continue helping them achieve their goals for their families.
Joshua gave little away about his immediate boxing plans but stated “the mission must go on”.
“It ain’t about legacy, it’s just about doing what is right and I know I am going to do what is right by them,” he reiterated.
The accident occurred weeks after Joshua’s stoppage win over Jake Paul in Miami.
That victory had kept him on course for a potential blockbuster fight against fellow Briton Tyson Fury this year.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has said the 36-year-old Joshua would be given all the time he needed to cope with the loss.
Earlier this month, Joshua shared footage of himself returning to training, calling it “mental strength therapy”.
In his emotional video message, Joshua said the loss was profound.
“I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that, my left and my right, you know?” he said.
