Anthony Joshua honours late friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele with arm tattoo after Nigeria accident (Image Via Getty Images)
Anthony Joshua is known for his strength inside the boxing ring. But this time, the two-time heavyweight champion showed his pain outside it. The British star has paid an emotional tribute to his two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, who died in a tragic car crash in Nigeria in December.
Joshua himself narrowly survived the same accident.To honour them, the 36-year-old had their names tattooed on his right arm at a London tattoo studio, placing the words “LATZ” and “SINA” under his famous Africa outline tattoo. The moment quickly touched fans around the world and reminded many of the deep bond he shared with the two men who supported his career and life.
Anthony Joshua honours Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele after tragic Nigeria crash
The tattoo was first revealed by Fulham Tattoo London on Instagram.
The studio shared photos and wrote, “Huge thank you to two-time heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua for unexpectedly and unannounced walking through the door a few weeks ago for his first visit with us at Fulham Tattoo London… what a walk in!” The post confirmed the tribute and showed how personal the visit was.Joshua had travelled to Nigeria after knocking out Jake Paul in Miami. Although he was born in Watford, his family roots are Nigerian, and the trip was meant to be a happy return home.
Sadly, everything changed when the car carrying Ghami and Ayodele hit a stationary truck near Lagos, leading to their deaths. Ghami worked as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer and close friend.After receiving hospital care, Joshua returned to England for the funeral. Soon after, he shared an emotional video on social media, speaking through tears. He said, “The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami, we had so many plans to wrap up 2025… everything got flipped on its head.
That was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control.”He continued, “We lost people that we dearly care about… major, major players in all of our lives. It’s tough. It’s really tough.” Joshua also described them as brothers, housemates, and partners in life’s journey, adding, “You think I’m the big guy, but I was walking with giants. Protected.”Joshua has not confirmed when he will return to boxing. Still, promoter Eddie Hearn said he expects Joshua could face Tyson Fury later this year, showing that the sport continues to wait for his decision. For now, the tattoo stands as a quiet and lasting memory of friendship, loss, and love.
