Adedokun Waliyu 
Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has returned to training 19 days after being involved in a car crash that claimed the lives of two close friends.
The 36-year-old sustained injuries in the December 29 accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which resulted in the deaths of his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Joshua shared a Snapchat video of himself hitting pads with the caption “mental strength therapy,” indicating a gradual return to normal life nearly three weeks after the tragedy. He was also seen working out on an exercise bike and swimming in a pool, with the clips compiled into a short montage.
Other posts included an image showing the elapsed time on a cardio machine with the caption, “I am a fighter,” as well as a photo from his iconic 2017 heavyweight title bout in which he was struck by Wladimir Klitschko.
The boxer, who is of Nigerian descent, was on holiday in Nigeria following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami just 10 days before the fatal crash.
At the time of the accident, Joshua’s driver, 47-year-old Adeniyi Kayode, reportedly did not have a valid driver’s licence. The crash led to Joshua’s hospitalisation and criminal charges being filed against Kayode.
During a recent court hearing, Kayode pleaded not guilty to all charges, including dangerous driving, claiming that the vehicle’s brakes failed. He was granted bail but taken to the Sagamu Correctional Centre for documentation.
Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said his client had recently renewed his driver’s licence and was cleared to drive pending the release of the renewed document.
“My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident. I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet, but I know he is saying the brakes did not work,” Abiodun said.
He added that the journey began in Lagos and that Joshua initially sat in the front seat before being asked by the driver to swap seats for better visibility.
“I also understand that Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony,” he said.
