British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time following the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends in December 2025.

In a video shared on his official Instagram page on Thursday, the former heavyweight champion expressed deep grief over the loss of Latif Ayodele, popularly known as Latz, and Gami Sina, describing them as his “brothers.”

“So this is the best way I could reach out to all of you, far and wide, worldwide, who were showing so much love, care and support through that tragic, traumatic time where we lost Latz and Sina in Nigeria,” Joshua said.

The accident occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and also left Joshua injured.

According to the boxer, the tragedy came as a shock, especially after the group had made plans to conclude the year together.

“The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025 and we were on a mission. We went back home to see our families and everything just got flipped upside down,” he said.

Reflecting on the loss, Joshua said the deaths had deeply affected him and the families of the deceased.

“Not only did their parents, uncles, cousins, friends and myself lose two great men, we lost people we dearly cared about. They were major players in all of our lives,” he said.

“They were my brothers and my friends first and foremost, before we became business partners. We became everything,” he added.

Joshua said he remained committed to supporting the families left behind.

“I understand my duty. I understand what they wanted to do for their families, so my goal is to continue helping them achieve those goals, even though they may not be here physically,” he said.

“It’s not about legacy. It’s about doing what’s right, what’s right for them and what’s right for their families.”

In the caption accompanying the video, Joshua wrote: “A short message from the heart. My brother’s keeper for life.”

He also expressed gratitude to individuals and institutions who supported him after the crash, including first responders, locals who prayed at the scene, and medical staff at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi.

Joshua specifically thanked Dr Ogunyankin, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr Ninalowo for their care, as well as British Deputy High Commissioner Simon Field and business leaders Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote for logistical support.

He further appreciated Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, President Bola Tinubu and senior security officials for their intervention and follow-ups.

Punch Online had reported that the accident claimed the lives of Latif Ayodele and Gami Sina, both aged 36. Joshua was rescued from the wreckage and taken to Duchess International Hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, the driver involved in the crash, Adeniyi Kayode, 46, has appeared before a magistrate’s court in Sagamu, Ogun State. The case was adjourned until February 25 to allow the transmission of the case file to the Ogun State Attorney-General’s Office for legal advice.

Joshua’s uncle reportedly said the boxer would not want the driver jailed over the incident.