Joshua promises to support the families of his late friends forever
The grieving heavyweight Anthony Joshua, on Sunday, posted his first pics since last week’s smash, which claimed the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
He later joined mourners for an emotional funeral service at the London Central Mosque.
In a poignant Instagram post, AJ, 36, offered his pals’ devastated loved ones comfort and support after the tragedy in Nigeria.
One snap sees him with Sina’s sister, Sanaz, who is holding a photo of her brother.
In a second photograph, AJ – who was also injured in the crash — sits on the floor with Alex Ayodele, the father of Latz.
He captioned the images: “My Brother's Keeper”, followed by two heart emojis and a military helmet, indicating protection.
The term is a biblical phrase from Genesis 4:9, signifying a moral duty to care for and protect others.
Sina, AJ’s strength and conditioning coach and Latz, his personal trainer, were a vital part of his camp and joined the boxer for the fateful trip to see his family in Nigeria.
A source in Joshua’s camp told The Sun: “AJ is fiercely loyal to his friends and their families and will be there for them for the rest of their lives.
“He’s had the same team around him for his whole career — and that team included Sina and Latz.
“AJ’s Instagram post shows he’ll be there for those they left behind.”
Joshua’s post was his first public update since the fatal crash a week ago and shows he appears to be in good health.
On Sunday morning, several hundred mourners gathered outside the London Central Mosque in North West London to pay their respects.
Joshua arrived with family members in a convoy of three Mercedes people carriers at around 10 am.
Inside, a traditional Islamic “Janaza” funeral prayer was performed amid emotional scenes.
A black Mercedes hearse carrying a coffin was seen leaving at around 11.30 am, while Joshua and his entourage also departed amid tight security.
A burial service took place at Hendon Cemetery & Crematorium before a wake reception at the Cavendish Banqueting Hall on Edgware Road from 3 pm.
It is understood that it went on into the night, with Joshua’s mother, Yeta, and father, Robert, there for the duration.
AJ was initially undecided as to whether he would attend the funeral, amid fears his presence could cause a “circus”.
But he later decided it was only right he should be there.
AJ and his mother had also attended the funeral home in Lagos where his pals were initially taken.
AJ, Sina and Latz had travelled to Nigeria for Christmas and New Year after the former world heavyweight champion beat YouTuber Jake Paul in a bout in Miami.
They were on their way to see AJ’s family when the Lexus SUV they were being driven in hit a stationary truck on a notoriously dangerous road near Lagos last Monday morning.
The Sun told how Sina and Latz died at the scene while AJ, crying out in pain, had to be pulled from the wreckage.
He was taken to the hospital but fortunately sustained only minor injuries. The driver also survived.
The bodies of Sina and Latz were repatriated to Britain last Friday via Istanbul on board a Turkish Airlines cargo flight.
Joshua flew back to the UK by private jet that night, landing at Stansted before being ferried to his home in Borehamwood, Herts, to continue recuperating.
A collage of an image of a car crash and a map of Nigeria showing the crash location. 9
Friends described Latif, 36, as “one of the most pure-hearted, clean-hearted people ever”, with “not a bad intention or a bad bone in his body”.
Pals of Sina, also 36, said he was a “wonderful person” with a “heart of gold” and an “infectious smile”.
A “memorial ceremony” invitation sent out by the family of Sina carried a photo of him wearing a tuxedo.
It said: “Please join us to honour and remember the life of Sina Ghami.
“Your presence will be deeply appreciated as we come together to celebrate Sina’s life and legacy. Rest in peace, Sina.”
