By Shaun Murphy-
Two gyms in West London- Colindale and South Ruislip- run by Anthony Joshua’s friend who died in a car crash have been temporarily closed out of respect.
The news follows the fatal crash in Nigeria that killed two people and left Joshua injured while driving along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, yesterday (December 29).
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The London born two-time unified world heavyweight champion was a passenger in a Lexus SUV which crashed. His two close friends, Sina Ghami and trainer Latif Ayodele were later named as the victims killed in the incident. It has now emerged that Ghami, who was an inspirational trainer and fitness guru owned three gyms he started, known as Evolve. Both have been temporarily shut as friends nd well wishers mourn his painful death,
Joshua is being treated at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, reputed as being the best private hospital in Nigeria with bespoke medical facilities Joshua’s mother, Yeta Odusanya, has reportedly joined her injured son at the hospital where the boxer is recovering.
Mr Ghami, was a sports rehabilitator who presided over the branches of the Evolve Gym – one based in Edgware Road, Colindale, and another in Stonefield Way, South Ruislip. His sudden demise in Nigeria is being felt throughout the lives of those who knew and worked with him.
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The gym has announced online: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the temporary closure of Evolve on Tuesday (December 30) as we mourn the loss of our beloved owner Sina Ghami.
“Thank you for being such a supportive community during this difficult time.
“We will keep you updated on our plans to reopen.”
The same statement has been madeoutside the Colindale gym, with flowers also laid outside.
One note on a flower read: “So saddened to hear this tragic news.
“So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sina’s family at this such difficult time. RIP Sina.”
Mr Ayodele is a personal trainer who also worked closely with Joshua.
The story is all the more heart breaking because hours before the incident, Joshua had shared a video on instagram of him playing table tennis with his other friend, who was also a personal trainer. Mr Ayodele. Mr Ghami had also shared an image of him in Lagos, Nigeria.
Whilst a preliminary investigation by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nigeria concluded in preliminary findings that the Lexus Jeep in which Joshua was being driven “was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit”, an update by police has confirmed that the accident occurred due to a burst tyre on the Lexus driven due to excessive speed.
Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi noted that a “tire burst due to excessive speed” caused the accident.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps wishes to confirm a fatal road traffic crash that occurred today[,] Monday, 29 December 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, around the Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State, involving a Lexus Jeep conveying world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, and a stationary truck,” the report said.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be traveling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking maneuver and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road,” the statement continued. “The primary causes of the crash[,] being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking[,] constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.”
The FRSC added the car lost control during “an overtaking manoeuvre” and crashed into a stationary truck by the side of the road.
Joshua is reportedly in a stable, conscious condition and has been in touch with his family.
Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promoter, said in a statement yesterday: “Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today (December 29).
“With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
“Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and w
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