A sombre mood gripped London on Sunday as family members, friends and figures from the boxing community gathered to mourn two close associates of former two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, whose deaths have sent shockwaves through the sport.

The Janaza (Islamic funeral prayer) for the late Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele was held in London, drawing a large turnout of mourners who came to pay their final respects. Both men lost their lives in a fatal road accident in Nigeria last Monday. Joshua, who was also involved in the crash, survived with minor injuries.

Anthony Joshua, family, friends observe Janazah for Ghami and AbdulLatif at London Mosque - Muslim News Nigeria

The tragic incident occurred during a visit to Nigeria last month and has since raised renewed concerns over road safety and accountability, with legal proceedings already underway.

At the London Central Mosque, a large crowd assembled for the funeral prayers, after which Ghami was scheduled to be laid to rest at Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium later in the day. A joint wake in honour of both men was also planned for 3pm at Cavendish Banqueting Hall in North West London.

Joshua, a 36-year-old boxer born in Watford and raised across North London and Hertfordshire, had been travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck. He was treated in hospital and discharged on New Year’s Eve.

Anthony Joshua's friends' funeral to hold in London Mosque on Sunday - PENPUSHING

Prior to the funeral rites, the bodies of Ghami and Ayodele were repatriated to the United Kingdom.

Both men were regarded as integral members of Joshua’s inner circle, playing key roles in his training, preparation and professional journey. Their deaths have cast a shadow over what had been a celebratory period in the boxer’s career.

Joshua, who is of Nigerian heritage, had travelled to Nigeria for a holiday following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

Meanwhile, the driver involved in the crash, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been arraigned by the Ogun State Police Command on charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid licence. The case was adjourned until January 20, with the court granting bail in the sum of ₦5 million. He remains in custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

London Mourns as funeral holds for Anthony Joshua’s late associates

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