•Anthony Joshua (C)
The boxing world, still in shock over Monday’s fatal road crash, in which boxing icon Anthony Joshua’s two associates died, yesterday sympathised with the former world heavy-weight champion.
In tweets and statements, boxing legends – Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury – commiserated with Joshua over the death of his friends and wished him speedy recovery.
Joshua and three others were travelling from Lagos to Sagamu in neighbouring Ogun State when the Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) they were travelling in rammed into a stationary vehicle, reports The Nation.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) gave the cause of accident as over speeding and overtaking on the wrong side.
Fury, who is lined up as a possible next opponent for Joshua, took to social media to send a message on Joshua’s associates who died. He said, “This is so sad. May god give them a good bed in heaven.”
Usyk said in a social media post: “This is an unbelievable loss.”
“They were two incredible people who were not only part of AJ’s team, but also friends! My sincere condolences to their families, loved ones, and everyone who knew them. Anthony – wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong, champion.”
Leading boxing promoter and chairman of Matchroom Sports, Hearn, paid tribute on social media, writing: “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace, Sina and Latif. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
The Nigeria Boxing Federation expressed profound condolences to Joshua and the families of the two associates of the boxer who died.
“On behalf of the entire Nigerian Boxing family, I express my deepest condolences to our national treasure, Anthony Joshua and the families of the two individuals who passed away,” President of the NBF Mr. Wale Edun said.
Edun is also Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
“The loss of life is always deeply distressing, and our thoughts and prayers are with you, Anthony and the affected families at this difficult time.
“As a boxing community, we pray for your speedy recovery and that the souls of the dearly departed rest in peace,” he added.
Also yesterday, dignitaries from all works of life were in the hospital to symathise with Joshua and wish him speedy recovery.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), British Deputy Head of Mission Simon Field, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade were at the hospital at various times yesterday.
Ogun State governor’s spokesman Kayode AKinmade quoted the governor as reaffirming doctors’ remark that Joshua is stable, after his visit.
Olopade conveyed profound sympathy to Joshua and the families of the victims of the accident,
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission and the entire Nigerian sports family, I express my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate accident,” Olopade said.
Also, Works Minister Dave Umahi and the Senator, representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, commiserated with the former heavyweight boxing champion.
“My heart goes out to Anthony Joshua at this very painful time,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “Losing two close friends in such a tragic manner is devastating. I pray that God grants him strength and comfort, and that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
Umahi revealed that a special task force would be formed in February to check the illegal parking of trucks on highways.
Sagamu, the Ogun State community, Joshua’s home town, was thrown into a mournful mood as a result of the accident.
Family members of the boxer expressed deep shock over the death of Joshua’s associates.
Some of the family members who spoke to reporters yesterday expressed worry that they have been unable to see their son, although they expressed joy he did not sustain major injuries going by fillers from the hospital and media reports.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, who spoke to reporters on behalf of the family said: “Since the incident happened, we have been rallying round to see if it is possible to get to see our son, but that has been impossible because of his status. We don’t know the hospital he was taken to, and we can understand that such is being done to protect him as a world figure.
“However, we have been in touch with his father and mother, who are also in Nigeria, and they have assured us that Joshua is fine
“We are also thinking that it will be fine if they allow even if it’s just three of the family members to see him, we are all eager to see him, but we will still respect the wish of the authority to keep him out of reach for now.
“We are really sad that two people who were very close to Anthony died in this accident. Our hearts are with the families and associates of these young men. We pray that the Lord God Almighty will comfort everyone who is affected by this unfortunate incident.
“Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony, was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock. We did not get to hear of this terrible news on time.
“Anthony comes on visits to Nigeria frequently. We felt so bad because this is the end of the year period, which we use as a family to create bond. It is really quite unfortunate.
“The sad news jolted the Sagamu community, and up till now, everyone is still in shock. People have kept calling the family members to sympathise with us and get updates.’’
Following the Monday accident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established contact with Joshua and his mum through the telephone. In a tweet on the incident, the President wished the boxer, who he described as an icon, speedy recovery.
