ANTHONY Joshua says he is “not scared” of dying after losing two close friends, admitting it comforts him knowing they are still with him in an emotional update.
A month on from the tragedy, the 36-year-old heavyweight reflected on life, faith and responsibility following the fatal smash in Nigeria.
“One day my time will come, and I’m not scared either at all,” Joshua said.
“It’s actually comforting knowing that I’ve got two brothers on the other side.”
AJ revealed the loss of personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and recovery therapist Sina Ghami has hit him harder than anything before.
“I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that, my left and my right,” he said.
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Joshua said the pair had been constant presences throughout his journey, protecting and guiding him.
“I was walking with giants, man, that kept me protected, kept me shielded, but the mission must go on.”
He added that their deaths have sharpened his sense of purpose.
“I understand my duty, I understand like what they wanted to do for their families, so what my goal is, is to continue to help them achieve their goals.”
Despite the grief, Joshua made clear he is focused on doing right by those they left behind.
“I’m gonna do what’s right by them. I’m gonna do what’s right by their family.”
Joshua described Latz and Sina as far more than colleagues.
“They’re my brothers, they’re my friends first and foremost,” he said, revealing the trio lived together: “We became housemates, we were living together.”
He called them “major players in all of our lives” and admitted the grief has been overwhelming for everyone close to them.
Joshua has spent recent weeks mourning while also returning to training for the sake of his mental health.
He was briefly hospitalised after the crash with a minor injury, returned to the UK in early January and is continuing rehab for both physical and emotional recovery.
Latz, 36, was a childhood friend Joshua met at the age of 11.
Sina, also 36, was a key part of Team AJ and had been in his corner for a fight in Miami just days before the crash.
The trio were travelling to Joshua’s family home in Nigeria for New Year celebrations when the accident happened.
The driver of the car Joshua was in has since appeared in court.
Adeniyi Kayode, 46, faces four charges including dangerous driving causing death and driving without a valid national licence.
