Anthony Joshua speaks for the first time since tragic car accident with emotional tribute

Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua spoke for the first time on Thursday since a tragic car accident on December 29 that killed his two close friends in Lagos, Nigeria. 

Joshua, who was in the car that killed Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, had an emotional statement that he released on his YouTube channel.

"The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami," Joshua said. "We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission.

"We went back home, went to see our families, and everything just got flipped up on its head. God's the best planner. We can plan to the best of our capabilities, but that was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control.

"Not even did their parents, uncles, cousins, friends, and myself lose two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about and that have been major players in all of our lives.

"It's tough. It's really tough. I'm not going to sit here and show all of my emotions. In today's day and age, it's easy to microanalyse people and pass judgment, but I know what I feel, and that's all that matters to me. I know what my duty is."

At times, the 36-year-old Joshua nearly broke down and held himself back from crying.

"It's a shame. It's a shame ... So, there's that side of things. What can I say?" an emotional Joshua said.

"One day, my time will come, and I'm not scared. At all. It's actually comforting. I've got two brothers on the other side. I've lost people before, but I don't think I've lost people like that. My left and my right, you know?

"I was walking with giants that kept me protected."

Joshua thanked everyone for their support, not only himself but also those close to Ghami and Ayodele. 

"What my goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals. Even though they may not be here in the physical, when I pray, I know spiritually they're going to aid me through. It's not just physical strength that will get me through; it's going to take a lot.

"A lot of strength from a higher power, so I'm definitely going to be saying my prayers, and I'm going to help them fulfil their dreams for their families.

Not only me, there's a whole team of us. A whole brotherhood, a whole sisterhood that will be helping fulfil their legacy and dreams. I don't think I've mentioned the love and appreciation. It's all acknowledged by me, by them, by their families. We acknowledged the thousands, maybe going into millions, around the world that showed so much love to them both."

Joshua didn't discuss whether he would return to the sport as he's still recovering from unknown injuries suffered in the accident, but his promoter, Matchroom's Eddie Hearn is confident he will "when the time is right".