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Anthony Joshua has paid his heartfelt condolences to two friends who were killed in a car crash in Nigeria.
Joshua was killed in the collision, along with Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. The former heavyweight world champion himself suffered minor injuries.
Joshua was visiting family in Nigeria when tragedy struck following his victory over Jake Paul in a December fight.
Joshua admitted he had been going through a “painful period” when he opened up about the loss in a social media video.
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Promoter Eddie Hearn has said Anthony Joshua needs to take some time away from boxing before deciding on his future following the tragic deaths of close friends Sina Gami and Latif Ayodele.
“We came home, went to see our family, and everything changed drastically,” Joshua said. “This was an unforeseen situation that was beyond our control.
“Not only have their parents, uncles, cousins, friends and myself lost two great men, we have lost someone we cared about deeply and who played an important role in our lives.”
He added: “It’s hard. It’s really hard. I’m not going to sit here and express all my emotions. I know in this day and age it’s easy to microanalyze people and make judgments. I know how I feel and that’s important to me. I know what my responsibilities are. They are my brothers and they are my friends first.
“I’ve lost people before. But I don’t think I’ve lost people like this. To my left and my right… they were very important team members, very important friends and two of my brothers.
“I’m a big man, but I walk with giants and they protect me and protect me.”
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Following the accident, boxing journalist Andy Scott said there had been an “outpouring of love” and support for those involved in the crash
He plans to support their memory and family, revealing: “My goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals.
“It wasn’t just physical strength that got me through this. It took a lot of strength from a higher power. So I’m definitely going to be praying and helping them achieve their family dreams – not just me, but our whole team.”
“I’m going to do what’s right for them and I’m going to do what’s right for their families.”
Joshua needs to recover from his injuries and trauma, but he has given no indication that he plans to retire in the near future.
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Heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley has said Anthony Joshua needs time to calm down and decide whether to box again
“In my corner of the world, I know what I’m going to do,” he said. “What can I say? One day my time will come…but the mission must go on. I understand my responsibility.
“It’s not about legacy, it’s just about doing the right thing and I know I’m going to do the right thing for them. I know what I have to do.”
He also thanked all the tributes to Sina and Raz. “I still can’t understand, just two of my friends, how popular they are. We grew up together. I consider them my friends, but they have developed such strong characters over the years,” Joshua concluded.
“I’m sure their parents are 100 percent proud of them, because I am too.
“Thanks for all the love in the world,” he added. “Dedicated to those who have lost a son, a brother, a love.”
