ITV's flagship breakfast programme Good Morning Britain delivered an emotionally charged segment this morning, presenting a heartbreaking tribute from British boxing champion Anthony Joshua following a devastating car accident in Nigeria.
Morning Broadcast Shares Tragic News
Presenters Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh, hosting today's edition of the popular news programme, shared the poignant update regarding the tragic incident that claimed the lives of Joshua's close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The 36-year-old boxer, who sustained minor injuries in the crash, broke his silence with an emotional video tribute that was featured prominently during the broadcast.
Joshua's First On-Camera Comments
Ranvir Singh explained to viewers: "The boxer Anthony Joshua has broken down in an emotional tribute to his two friends who died in a car crash in Nigeria, which, of course, he survived." She continued: "In his first on-camera comment since the crash, Joshua described Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami as his brothers and promised he would do right by their families."
During the powerful video clip, Anthony emotionally reflected: "One day my time will come, and I'm not scared either at all. It's actually comforting knowing I've got two brothers on the other side." The heavyweight champion added with visible grief: "I've lost people before, but I don't think I've lost people like that, my left and my right."
Details of the Tragic Accident
The Mirror reported that the champion boxer had been travelling in the back of a black SUV driving through Lagos when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck on a major roadway. Anthony had been enjoying a holiday with his friends, taking well-deserved time to rest and celebrate following his recent victory against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
A Friendship Cut Short
In his tribute video, Anthony continued with heartfelt words: "We went back home, went to see our families and everything just got flipped upside on its head. That was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all our control." He emphasised the widespread impact of the loss: "Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself lose two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about and have been major players in all of our lives."
The boxer shared his struggle to process the tragedy: "It's tough. It's really tough. I'm not going to sit here and show all of my emotions. I know in today's day and age, it's easy to micro-analyse people and pass judgement." He affirmed his personal commitment: "I know what I feel and that's what matters to me. I know what my duty is. They're my brothers, they're my friends, first and foremost."
Remembering His 'Giants'
Anthony paid moving tribute to the protective role his friends played in his life: "They were very important team members, very important friends and two of my brothers. I'm the big guy but I was walking with giants that kept me protected, kept me shielded."
A Promise to Continue Their Legacy
The boxer shared how his aim had been to help his late friends achieve their goals, concluding with poignant reflections: "I still can't get my head around, just my two friends, just how popular [they are]. We just grew up together. I've known them as my friends but they built such strong characters over the years."
He expressed confidence in their families' pride: "I'm sure their parents are 100% proud of them because I am." Anthony ended his tribute with a message of solidarity: "Thank you for the love worldwide. For anyone out there that's lost a son, a brother, one love to you."
Today's Good Morning Britain broadcast brought this deeply personal tragedy to a national audience, highlighting the profound impact of sudden loss and the powerful bonds of friendship that transcend even the most public of lives.
