Tragedy in Nigeria
After Joshua accident: World Cup opponent Klitschko mourns deaths
Former boxing world champion Anthony Joshua is involved in a car accident with two deaths, his best-known opponent and Bayern star Michael Olise is shocked. Nigeria’s president also speaks out.
Boxing star Anthony Joshua’s serious traffic accident with two deaths also shocked his former World Cup opponent Wladimir Klitschko. Klitschko (59) wrote on the X platform that he was “deeply affected” by the death of the British heavyweight boxer’s two close friends and team members.
“I had the pleasure of having an unforgettable fight with AJ and have always appreciated him as a true gentleman who commands my utmost respect,” added the Ukrainian, who lost a spectacular title fight to Joshua at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2017 at the end of his career. “My deepest condolences go out to him and I wish him and his family all the best during this difficult time.”
A football star also comments
Professional soccer player Michael Olise was also shocked. “Rest in peace, brother, one of the most honest men,” the FC Bayern offensive star wrote on Instagram with a picture of himself and Sina Ghami. He was Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach and, like Joshua’s personal trainer Latif Ayodele, died in the car accident in Nigeria.
Joshua (36) suffered minor injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital. The England-born son of Nigerian immigrants is in a stable condition and remains there for monitoring, said the statement from the Matchroom Boxing promotion on Monday evening.
Nigeria’s President: Prayed with AJ
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also commented on the accident. “I spoke to AJ to personally express my condolences on the death of his two close associates Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami,” he wrote on the X platform. “I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him.”
According to Olusegun Ogungbemide, deputy marshal of the Nigeria Road Safety Authority (FRSC), the car in which Joshua and the dead were sitting was speeding. The driver lost control of the car and drove into a parked truck. “The main causes of the accident were excessive speed and improper overtaking,” Ogungbemide said.
Video recordings are circulating on the Internet
Videos on the Internet show how Joshua was lifted out of a badly damaged car with his bare torso and his face contorted in pain. He was therefore sitting in the back seat behind the driver’s seat. The accident is said to have occurred on a highway in Makun. There was also criticism on the Internet about the publication of some disturbing images and videos by onlookers.
Joshua was Olympic champion in 2012 and then world heavyweight champion for several years. Just a few days ago he caused a stir with his victory against American internet star Jake Paul in Miami.
dpa
