Anthony Joshua, the British heavyweight boxer, left the hospital in Nigeria days after a deadly car crash that took the lives of two close friends.
Ogun and Lagos states released a joint statement. They said the ex-world champion can now recover at home. Officials called him “heavy hearted” over the loss.
The 36-year-old rode as a passenger in a Lexus SUV. It slammed into a parked truck on a key highway in Ogun State, close to Lagos. This happened Monday.
The victims were Joshua’s good friends and team members. They included Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
On Wednesday, after his release, the Brit visited the funeral home. The bodies there were set for shipment back home, the statement noted.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter since his pro debut after Olympic gold in 2012, shared a tribute. Hearn posted on Instagram: “Rest in peace Latz and Sina.”
He added, “Your energy and loyalty, plus many other fine traits, will be missed. Praying for strength and guidance for their families, friends, and AJ in this tough time.”
Ghami served as Joshua’s full-time sports rehab coach for over 10 years.
Ogun State police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi spoke to the BBC Wednesday. He said probes continue and stay low-key.
Ogun’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, or TRACE, gave first findings. The SUV blew a tire before hitting the truck.
Joshua, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, vacationed in Nigeria. He had just beaten Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
Retired cruiserweight champ Tony Bellew posted on X. “Thoughts and prayers to the families. Tragic deaths in awful conditions!”
Bellew continued, “I hope Joshua can handle this over time. No pain beats grief.”
Two-time heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk and ex-champ Tyson Fury shared Instagram stories. Both sent condolences.
