Connect with us

Boxing

Anthony Joshua releases first emotional video message after tragic car accident

Published

on

Anthony Joshua posts emotional first video message following tragic car crash

Anthony Joshua spoke on camera for the first time since the crash that killed his friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.

Joshua was traveling with the couple when their vehicle collided with a truck on a busy road in Nigeria on December 29.

“AJ” suffered only minor injuries, but Sina and Latz died tragically, causing a downpour of emotions not only from the boxing community, but from people all over the world.

He publishes on his YouTube channelJoshua paid a heartfelt tribute to his close friends.

“So I’m standing in front of the camera. Unfortunately, I’m not talking to all of you live. If you know my character, I would definitely prefer to do that. But there’s what I want and then there’s reality. This is the best way I could reach all of you, far and wide, around the world, who have shown so much love, care and support during this tragic, traumatic time when we lost Latz and Sina in Nigeria.

“The last time I talked to you was in Miami. We had so many plans for the end of 2025 and we were on a mission. We came home, went to visit our families and everything just got turned upside down.”

“It was such an unforeseen circumstance that we had no control over. Not only did I not even want to talk about myself, not only did their parents, uncles, cousins, friends and I lose two wonderful people. We lost people we cared about deeply and who were major players in our lives.”

As he continued to pay his respects, Joshua had to fight back tears.

“It’s strenuous. It’s really strenuous. I’m not going to sit here and show all my emotions. I know it’s straightforward to micro-analyze people and make judgments these days, but I know how I feel and that’s all that matters to me. I know what my duty is.

“They are my brothers. They are my friends first. Then we became business partners. We became hustlers. We became lieutenants. We became generals. We became everything. We became roommates. We lived together.

“One day my time will come and I’m not afraid at all. It’s really comforting to know that I have two brothers on the other side. I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that. My left and right sides on this journey I’ve been on. I walked with giants who protected me, protected me.”

Joshua then explained how he would continue to honor their legacy.

“The mission must continue. I understand my duty. I understand what they wanted to do for their families. That’s why my goal is to continue to support them achieve their goals.

“Even though they may not be here physically, when I pray at night, when I pray in the morning, I know that spiritually they will support me get through because it’s not just physical strength that will get me through. It will take a lot, a lot of strength from a Higher Power.”

“I will definitely pray and support them fulfill their dreams for their families. Not only me, there is a whole team of us, a whole brotherhood, a whole sisterhood that will support fulfill their legacy and make their dreams come true. But I know, in my corner of the world, I know what I will do.

“I know I have to do what’s right for them. I’m going to do what’s right for their family. It’s about what’s vital to me and they are very vital players, very vital members of the team, very vital friends and two of my brothers.

“I don’t think I mentioned the love and appreciation. It was all acknowledged by me, them, their families. We 100% appreciated the thousands, maybe millions around the world who showed them both so much love.

“We know what we will do. Mama, Mama Latz, Mama Sina, Papa Latz, Papa Sina, one love. This message is not only on my behalf. It is on behalf of their families. Thank you so much. Thank you for the love all over the world. Keep going. Don’t let this end. And to everyone who has lost a son, a brother, one love to you. From us to you, we send this love straight back.”

Understandably, Joshua has not provided an update on his future in boxing as, first and foremost, he continues to take the time he needs to get over the loss of his two dear friends.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Boxing

Zuffa Boxing 07 debuts in the UK: Billam-Smith vs. Rozicki preview

Published

on

On Saturday, June 6, Zuffa Boxing will host its first event on British soil, when former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith will face Canadian Ryan Rozicki at the Bournemouth International Centre. The card, billed as Zuffa Boxing 07, airs live Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and streaming on Paramount+ in the United States and Canada. The main card starts at 7 p.m., with walk-ins scheduled for the main event at around 10 p.m.

The event is the first UK edition of Zuffa Boxing, a promotion created by TKO Group Holdings and Saudi entertainment company Sela and run by Dana White, Nick Khan and General Entertainment Authority CEO Turki Alalshikh. according to ESPN. This follows a multi-year broadcasting deal between Zuffa and Sky Sports announced in March.

Main event

Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KO) returns to his hometown for his first fight in over a year. The Bournemouth fighter held the WBO cruiserweight title in 2023 and 2024 before losing it, and has fought at the Bournemouth International Center several times before. He is coached by Shane McGuigan, who stated in promotional materials released for the card that Billam-Smith is constantly improving. Billam-Smith also said a future meeting with cruiserweight champion Zuffa Jai ​​Opetaia influenced his decision to sign with the promotion, telling Sky Sports the fight “will definitely happen.”

Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KO), of Sydney Forks, Nova Scotia, has one of the highest strike rates on the card. He has been a professional since 2016 and his record since 2016 is 8-0-1 with seven knockouts, with 18 of his stoppages coming within three rounds. The cruiserweight fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.

Cooperation and fight in the heavyweight division

In a 10-round cruiserweight fight, Jack Massey (23-3, 13 KO) will face Chev Clarke (11-2, 8 KO). In the preliminary stage of the gala, the return of two-time Olympic bronze medalist from Kazakhstan Ivan Dychko (15-1, 14 KO) heavyweight against undefeated Briton Harvey Dykes (7-0-1). The 180 cm elevated Dychko is fighting for the first time since his defeat to Jermaine Franklin in September 2025. Dykes turned professional in 2023 after winning super heavyweight gold at the English National Amateur Championships.

British signatures to the bill

The card also features several recent Zuffa signings making their debuts with the organization, including Scotland’s Sam Hickey (4-0, 1 KO), welterweight Alex MacMillan (3-0, 2 KO) and lightweight heavyweight Leon Hughes (4-0, 3 KO). Hickey won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games as an amateur and turned professional under the guidance of Team GB performance director Rob McCracken.

Full card

  • Chris Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KO) vs. Ryan Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KO), cruiserweight, 10 rounds
  • Jack Massey (23-3, 13 KO) vs. Chev Clarke (11-2, 8 KO), cruiserweight, 10 rounds
  • Lee Cutler (15-2, 7 KO) vs. Aaron Sutton (19-2, 3 KO), middleweight, 10 rounds
  • Stevie McKenna (15-1, 14 KO) vs. Casey James Streeter (15-3-2, 6 KO), middleweight, 8 rounds
  • Sam Hickey (4-0, 1 KO) vs. Todd Tompkins (4-0), middleweight, 6 rounds
  • Harvey Dykes (7-0-1) vs Ivan Dychko (15-1, 14 KO), heavyweight, 10 rounds
  • Leon Hughes (4-0, 3 KO) vs. Mario Vergiev (8-4, 5 KO), lightweight heavyweight, 6 rounds
  • Alex MacMillan (3-0, 2 KO) vs. Tyler Rivers (6-3), welterweight, 6 rounds

The three-fight preliminary card begins at 5 p.m., with the main card following at 7 p.m.

Continue Reading

Boxing

Ryan Garcia wants to train with Naoya Inoue in Tokyo and broadcast it live

Published

on

Image: Ryan Garcia Wants To Train With Naoya Inoue In Tokyo And Stream It

The proposed sessions would bring together two world champions from different weight categories. Ryan currently holds the WBC welterweight title and Inoue is the undisputed junior featherweight champion.

A notable part of Ryan’s post was his willingness to stream workouts.

One of the things Ryan mentioned in his X post was his desire to stream workouts. Ryan didn’t say whether he would bring the idea to Naoya to see if he agreed with it or not, nor did he give a date when he would train with the Japanese star.

At this stage, Ryan’s comments appear to reflect purpose rather than final findings. Although he has publicly outlined the plan, Inoue has not announced any potential training session.

If training takes place, they will bring together champions separated by more than 20 pounds in weight. Ryan is fighting in the welterweight division, and Inoue is building his championship streak in the junior featherweight division.

The idea remains one Ryan hopes to implement during his visit to Tokyo, with the added possibility of giving fans a glimpse of the session via livestream.

Continue Reading

Boxing

Tyson Fury ‘very interested’ in fighting ‘one of the most avoided heavyweights’: ‘Let’s do it’

Published

on

Tyson Fury ‘very interested’ in facing ‘one of the most avoided heavyweights’: “Let’s make it happen”

Tyson Fury is set to take part in the long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua, but first he needs a warm-up. Now another challenger has been added to the fight, and Fury is “very interested” in the proposed fight.

The long-awaited clash between Fury and Joshua has finally been signed and will take place pending success in their tune-up fights. While Joshua is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga next month, Fury remains without an opponent for his August outing.

Promoter Frank Warren promised a “good” opponent but he recently ruled out the possibility of the “Gypsy King” facing Joshua’s former defeater Andy Ruiz Jr., who is believed to have priced himself out of the fight.

I’m talking to Play UKJoshua’s other rival, Jarrell Miller, has revealed that Fury is “very interested” in fighting him as he discusses a potential all-American clash with Deontay Wilder.

“I’ve been one of the most avoided heavyweights for a long time. We’re seeing it now. We’re trying to get Deontay Wilder out there. There’s no fight in front of him. I’m the top heavyweight in America right now, so we’re trying to make certain things happen. Let’s see if he can take control.”

“Tyson Fury is also very interested. I would love to fight these guys. Deontay or Tyson would be a wonderful fight for me. Let’s see if we can make it happen.”

Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, recently confirmed both fighters’ desire to make the fight happen, but said Miller would likely not be able to complete a full training camp on time.

The American has already scored two victories in 2026, defeating both Kingsley Ibeh and Lenier Pero, and the 37-year-old hopes those triumphs will earn him another chance on the huge stage.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending