Boxer Anthony Joshua has shared a tribute to the close friends he lost in a fatal car crash in Nigeria at the end of last year.
His post, shared to Instagram, also offered an update on how the heavyweight boxer is doing. And comes after it was claimed AJ was ‘in pain all over his body’ following the crash.
The boxer has now returned to the UK following the accident that happened in Nigeria on December 29. His close friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele died instantly in the crash. They have since been laid to rest.
In videos shared on social media at the time of the crash, Anthony was seen screaming in pain as he was helped from the wreckage.
Anthony Joshua car crash – manager shares statement
Speaking to the Mail, on December 28, Eddie Hearn said he’d woken to the news the boxer had been involved in a car accident in Nigeria.
He shared: “I am away on a family holiday and awoke to the news of this incident. We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate on how he is but thankfully he appears okay from what I have seen in the images. We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”
Police in Nigeria also shared a statement: “I can confirm an accident occurred and Anthony Joshua has been taken to hospital. A vehicle rammed into a stationary vehicle. Unfortunately, there were two fatalities. Anthony Joshua was treated by first-responders at the scene and then taken to hospital.”
The BBC reported at the time that the heavyweight boxer was “fine”. However, it’s now claimed that he will stay in hospital into the New Year.
‘Badly shaken up’
A friend of the star told the Mail at the time: “He’s okay but badly shaken up. Nobody knows quite what damage has been done, but was able to escape the wreckage. Others weren’t quite so lucky so it’s been a traumatic ordeal which he’s trying to process.”
Images show the boxer looking dazed in the back of the car. He was also seen sitting in the front seat of an emergency vehicle, speaking to first responders.
Later that week, according to The Sun, Anthony told pals: “I feel pain all over my body.”
Sources claimed he had searing pain in his knees and cried out in agony as he was taken from the wreckage of the Lexus 4×4, but tests revealed no fractures.
Eyewitnesses rushed to help
It is understood that Anthony Joshua was seated behind the driver, along with another passenger, when the car crash occurred. Four people were inside the Lexus at the time, while his security followed in a separate vehicle.
An eyewitness told Punch newspaper: “It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials arrived.’
Hours earlier, Anthony posted a video of himself playing table tennis with Latif to social media.
Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing has shared a further statement. It confirmed the boxer “sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”
View this post on Instagram
‘100% it’s tough for me’
Earlier today (January 8), Anthony posted a picture of his friends with angel wings.
Sharing his faith, and an update on how he’s doing, he commented: “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.”
He then continued: “100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
Again, he was inundated with support. Judi Love shared: “Sending love and praying for peace for you and their family at this heartbreaking time.” Katie Piper posted: “Sending love to you and their families.” Naomi Campbell and JLS star Ortisé also shared their condolences.
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