Anthony Joshua Admits He Still Has Not Come to Terms with Losing Close Friend Ahead of Return to the Ring Against Christian Prenga

Anthony Joshua, the 36-year-old former heavyweight boxing world champion, revealed to BBC Sport that he is not yet ready to fully process the grief of losing two close friends and key staff members, as it still causes pain every time he thinks of them or sees a photograph. He stated that he tries to maintain his mental state by keeping busy with activities to avoid having too much idle time.

The tragedy occurred on December 29, 2025, on a main road near Lagos, Nigeria, when the vehicle carrying Sina Gami and Latif Lutz Ayodele crashed into a parked truck on the roadside. Joshua and another passenger were also traveling in the vehicle and sustained only minor injuries. Just hours before the tragic incident, Joshua had posted an Instagram video of himself playing ping-pong with Ayodele, his personal trainer. Meanwhile, Gami was a sports and rehabilitation coach who had worked alongside Joshua for over 10 years.

The loss of background staff who have worked together for a decade represents a major psychological challenge for top-level athletes, because these individuals do not only look after the physical body but also serve as mental safe zones and key strategic planners. Stepping into the ring under the shadow of grief is a test of mental fortitude far more difficult than preparing to spar with an opponent in the ring.