The global boxing family consoled Joshua over the death of two friends in an accident

Boxing champions, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, have passed their condolences to the families of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, the two friends who died in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday, in which the former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was also injured.

Ayodele, also known as Latz, was a personal trainer of Joshua, while Ghami acted as strength and conditioning coach for the 36-year-old boxer. Joshua remains in the hospital in Lagos, where he was described by his management team as being in a stable condition.

Fury, who had been expected to come out of retirement to fight Joshua next year, posted a tribute to Ghami and Ayodele on social media yesterday, writing: “This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven.”

Usyk, the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight champion, spoke of “an unbelievable loss” on social media, describing Ghami and Ayodele as “two incredible people who were not only a part of AJ’s team, but also friends!” Usyk passed his “sincere condolences to their families, loved ones and everyone who knew them” and wrote to Joshua: “Stay strong, champion.”

Jake Paul, who lost to Joshua in a fight watched by 33 million people two weeks ago, also offered his condolences. “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident,” he wrote.

Joshua is being treated at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where the president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said he had visited the fighter and his mother, who has been at his bedside. “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, in the recent accident,” Tinubu said in a statement. “I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care. I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her.”

“It's a stark reminder, but people, you've got to start paying attention when driving a vehicle,” Fury said.

He urged people not to drink or do drugs before driving as “that’s when you’re at your most vulnerable”. He then clarified: “I’m not saying any of these boys have been doing that.”

No drugs or alcohol are believed to have been found at the crash scene.

Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps suggested speeding and overtaking attempts could be to blame, with a full investigation taking place.