Anthony Joshua pays final respects to late associates at London Mosque

Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, on Sunday paid his last respects to two of his close friends and team members at the London Central Mosque, following their tragic deaths in a car crash in Nigeria.

The British-Nigerian boxer attended the Janaza (funeral prayer) for his personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele, and his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, who died in the accident last week.

Joshua, who sustained minor injuries in the crash, was involved in the incident on December 29 along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The 36-year-old was treated and discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve before returning to the United Kingdom on Saturday.

Images and videos from the funeral service, which have since circulated widely on social media, showed Joshua dressed in black, standing quietly among mourners as Islamic burial rites were observed.

Earlier, the former world champion had shared photos of himself with the grieving families of the deceased, accompanied by the caption, “My Brother’s Keeper ❤️🕊️❤️,” reflecting the depth of his loss.

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal crash, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.

The charges were filed on Friday, and a magistrate’s court has adjourned the matter until January 20. Kayode was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million but remains in custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

Although born in England, Joshua maintains close ties with Nigeria and frequently visits his hometown of Sagamu in Ogun State. He was in the country last year, where he spent time with celebrities and presented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a signed boxing glove.

The tragic incident occurred just days after Joshua recorded a knockout victory over Jake Paul in an exhibition heavyweight bout at the Kaseya Centre in Miami, casting a sombre shadow over what had been a celebratory period in his career.

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