Joshua Dedicates Comeback Win to Friends Killed in Ogun Crash

Nigerian-British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua honored his late friends and trainers, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, by dedicating his second-round knockout victory against Kristian Prenga to their memory. Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer, tragically died in a car crash in Ogun State, Nigeria, in December.

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It’s what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down and we stand up and keep going. That’s life.

Joshua entered the ring wearing camouflage attire adorned with the names of his deceased coaches. He described the win as a tribute, stating, “It’s what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down and we stand up and keep going. That’s life.” He added, “It was more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina and their families. It still hurts to talk about it. It’s been tough.”

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It was more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina and their families. It still hurts to talk about it. It’s been tough.

The fight marked Joshua's return after the fatal crash. He faced adversity early, being knocked down twice in the opening round by Prenga. However, Joshua demonstrated resilience, recovering to dominate the second round and secure the victory. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, praised Joshua's remarkable performance, especially given the personal tragedy he had endured over the past seven months.

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No one can imagine what Anthony has been through in the last seven months. To even step into the ring was astonishing.

Hearn also confirmed that contracts have been signed for a long-awaited heavyweight clash between Joshua and fellow Briton Tyson Fury, though the date and venue are yet to be announced. Joshua expressed his readiness and respect for Fury, stating, “I respect everything he has achieved, but this is the fight we’ve been calling for and now we’re here. I hope the fans will enjoy it. I’ve learned that I can’t be stopped, I won’t be denied, and we’re coming.”

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I respect everything he has achieved, but this is the fight we’ve been calling for and now we’re here. I hope the fans will enjoy it. I’ve learned that I can’t be stopped, I won’t be denied, and we’re coming.