Anthony Joshua swapped seats before horror car crash killed his friends | Boxing | Sport
Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death in a car crash that tragically claimed the lives of two of his friends because of a last-minute seat swap before the journey began. The devastating crash occurred on Monday, leaving Joshua with minor injuries and resulting in the driver being charged with causing death by dangerous driving. And the boxer’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, has revealed a chilling twist of fate that effectively saved AJ’s life.
“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,” said Abiodun. “I also understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat but the driver asked him to swap seats. He did this because Anthony is a big fellow and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly so he asked him to move and he sat behind the driver. From what I understand Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.”
On Friday, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, had been charged at the Sagamu Magistrate Court, with the case adjourned until January 20. The driver faces four charges: causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the Anthony Joshua accident case, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode (male), aged 46, was charged to the Sagamu Magistrate Court today, January 2, 2026 and the case has been adjourned to January 20, 2026,” a statement on the force’s official X account read.
Ghami and Ayodele were not only long-term friends of Joshua but also part of his training team, with Ghami acting as his strength and conditioning coach and Ayodele as a trainer. Joshua, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was holidaying in Nigeria following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who has been promoting Joshua since he turned professional after winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics, paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, praising their “energy and loyalty”.
Condolences have also come from retired cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew, two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, British former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former world champion Wladimir Klitschko.
