Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua fought back tears as he spoke about the emotional toll of losing two close friends in a recent road accident in Nigeria, pledging to stand by their families and preserve their legacy.

In an emotional video shared on his Instagram page on Thursday, Joshua reflected on the fatal crash that occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, which claimed the lives of Kevin Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach.

Joshua was also travelling in the Lexus SUV involved in the collision with a stationary truck but survived with minor injuries.

Expressing gratitude to supporters around the world, the former world champion said the trip to Nigeria had begun with excitement before tragedy struck.

“We went back home to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside on its head,” he said.

Describing the late Ayodele and Ghami as more than colleagues, Joshua called them his “brothers,” “lieutenants,” and “generals,” noting that they lived together and shared both personal and professional bonds.

“They’re my friends first and foremost. We became housemates. We were living together,” he said.

Joshua admitted the loss had been deeply traumatic but said he had found some comfort in his faith and perspective on life and death.

“I’m not scared of death at all,” he said. “It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side.”

He concluded by vowing to support the families of his late trainer and coach and to continue the work they had planned together.

“The mission must go on. I understand my duty,” Joshua said. “I’m going to do what’s right by them. I’m going to do what’s right by their family.”