Anthony Joshua has returned to London after a car crash in Nigeria that left him in hospital and claimed the lives of two of his close friends and band members, Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Sun reports that Joshua flew back to Stanstead Airport on Friday evening on a private jet ahead of his funeral, which will reportedly be held on Sunday at a mosque in the capital.
Their report states that Joshua is unsure about participating even though he wants to, due to the publicity his performance may have caused. A source told The Sun: “Anthony wants to go to the funeral but hasn’t decided yet; he is aware his presence could cause a circus and overshadow the funeral of his two friends’ family.”
His return to the UK followed his release from Lagoon Ikoyi Hospital on Wednesday. Before leaving Nigeria, Joshua went to the mortuary where Ayodele and Ghami were to pay their respects.
Local authorities confirmed his movements earlier this week, issuing a statement that said: “The Lagos and Ogun State Governments once again express their condolences to the two families of two adolescent men – Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami – who tragically and sadly lost their lives in a road accident involving Anthony Joshua. We pray that the Almighty may rest their souls in peace while giving their families and loved ones the fortitude to endure this very unhappy and painful event.” loss.
“Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital delayed this afternoon, although with a ponderous heart and emotional loss of two close friends who were deemed clinically fit to recover at home. Anthony and his mother were at a funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their last respects to two deceased friends who were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening.
“The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, and the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, deeply appreciate the public concern and outpouring of love and affection over this very unhappy and unfortunate event. They also appreciate Mr. President His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for all the fatherly support he has given throughout the process.
“We also want to acknowledge the team of doctors and medical staff at Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi who cared for Anthony and those who suffered injuries. The quality of care and professionalism is truly commendable.”
Joshua will now continue his recovery from his injuries at home. As such, its driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, faces charges of causing death by hazardous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention and driving without a valid driving licence.
His lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said: “My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident. I haven’t had a full opportunity to talk to him yet, but I know he claims the brakes didn’t work.
“I also understand that the journey started in Lagos and that Anthony initially got into the front seat but the driver asked him to switch seats. He did so because Anthony is a gigantic guy and couldn’t see well in the side mirror, so he asked him to move and he sat behind the driver. From what I understand, Latif rode in the front and then switched seats with Anthony.”
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position
Jaron Ennis
To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
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On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
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