British-Nigerian boxing superstar Anthony Joshua escaped with minor injuries in a devastating car accident on December 29, 2025, but the incident tragically claimed the lives of two of his closest companions, Latz and Sina. The crash occurred on the notorious Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a route infamous for its high accident rate, especially during the festive season when traffic surges with returning diaspora visitors.
Joshua, fresh from his dominant knockout victory over Jake Paul just ten days earlier, was holidaying in his ancestral homeland when the Lexus SUV he was traveling in collided with a stationary truck. Seated in the rear, the former two-time heavyweight champion was helped from the wreckage, appearing shaken but alert, before being rushed to hospital for treatment. Two other passengers survived unhurt, while the front-seat occupants bore the brunt of the impact.
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Who Were Latz and Sina?
The victims were identified as Latif “Latz,” Joshua’s longtime personal trainer and close friend, and Sina, his dedicated strength and conditioning coach. Both men were integral to Joshua’s training team, with Sina notably featured in preparations for the recent Paul fight, guiding the boxer through rigorous sessions that contributed to his sharp performance.
Latz, often known online for his motivational fitness content, had shared moments from the Nigeria trip on social media, including a lighthearted table tennis match with Joshua hours before the accident. His Instagram handle was @healthy_mindset, where he built a following as a trainer and influencer. Sina’s full name and specific Instagram account remain less publicly detailed in reports, though he was a fixture in Joshua’s camp for years, helping sculpt the athlete’s physique and endurance.
Two people reported to have died in the incident involving Anthony Joshua were coaches and close connections in his life, Latz and Sina. pic.twitter.com/iKoqPELnFZ
— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) December 29, 2025
The pair were not just professional allies but genuine friends, often traveling with Joshua and sharing in his successes and downtime. Their sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with figures like Badou Jack confirming their identities and expressing grief.
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Details of the Nigeria Accident
The crash took place around 11 a.m. near Makun in Ogun State, as the vehicle reportedly lost control during an overtaking maneuver, possibly due to excessive speed or a burst tire, slamming into the parked truck. Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps highlighted speed and improper overtaking as common factors in such fatalities on the country’s highways.
Police have launched a full investigation, extending condolences to the bereaved families. Joshua, deeply connected to Nigeria through his heritage and frequent visits, was en route to family areas near Sagamu when tragedy struck. Even opponent Jake Paul offered prayers, noting that “life is much more important than boxing.”
Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 29, 2025
This incident serves as a stark reminder of road dangers in Nigeria, where infrastructure challenges and heavy traffic claim many lives annually. As Joshua recovers, the boxing world mourns two unsung heroes who stood in his corner both literally and figuratively.