Anthony Joshua has broken his silence following a tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

In an emotional video message posted on his social media platforms and YouTube channel, titled My Brother’s Keeper For Life, the 36-year-old boxer described the past month as deeply painful and thanked fans, first responders and public officials for their support during what he called a “tragic” period.

The accident occurred on December 29 near Lagos, when an SUV in which Joshua was travelling struck a stationary truck on a major road. Joshua, who was seated in the back of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the hospital before returning to the United Kingdom to continue his recovery. Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene. Local authorities have since charged the driver of the vehicle with dangerous and reckless driving.

Speaking calmly but emotionally to the camera, Joshua reflected on the shock of the crash and the depth of his loss, at times struggling to hold back tears. He described the two men as “my left and my right,” emphasising that they were far more than colleagues.

“They were my brothers,” Joshua said, explaining that the pair were also housemates, business partners and central figures in his personal and professional life.

He made it clear that his focus is not on legacy or public narratives, but on responsibility and care for those left behind. Joshua pledged to support the families of Ayodele and Ghami, promising to help them “achieve their goals” and assuring them of long-term commitment from himself and a close circle of friends and colleagues.

In the video caption, Joshua expressed gratitude to the individuals and institutions that assisted him after the crash, including first responders, medical staff at Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi, and those who provided logistical support during his recovery.

He also publicly acknowledged the support of Nigerian business leaders Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote, as well as senior officials, including the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos and federal and state authorities in Nigeria.

Joshua spoke about how he is coping with the loss, saying he draws strength from prayer and faith, and from the belief that Ayodele and Ghami remain with him in spirit. He also thanked supporters worldwide for the outpouring of messages, prayers and condolences.

Members of Joshua’s team and promoters have indicated that he will take time to heal before making any decisions about his boxing career. Meanwhile, reaction to his message has been swift, with fans and public figures praising his dignity, resilience and commitment to supporting the families of his late friends.