'Deeply missed' - Eddie Hearn pays tribute to Anthony Joshua team members killed in crash

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn says the "great qualities" of Anthony Joshua's friends Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, who were killed in a car crash in Nigeria, will be "deeply missed".

Ghami and Ayodele died when the vehicle they were in, alongside heavyweight boxer Joshua and another passenger, collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos.

Joshua sustained injuries but is stable and conscious and did not require emergency medical help, according to Ogun state government, external.

Hearn, who has promoted the 36-year-old since he turned professional after winning gold at the 2012 Olympics, has paid tribute to the Briton's close friends and team members.

"Rest in peace Latz and Sina," Hearn posted on Instagram, external.

"Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time."

Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday, the Ogun State police spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said "Investigations are still ongoing" and described the process as "still discreet".

Ghami was Joshua's full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach and worked with him for more than 10 years.

Just hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video on Instagram of him playing table tennis with his long-time friend Ayodele, a personal trainer.

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and British former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury also posted Instagram stories over the past 24 hours to offer their condolences.

Retired cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew wrote on X: "Thoughts and prayers to the families of these men. Tragic losses in horrific circumstances!

"I hope he (Joshua) is able to process this with time because there is no pain in life worse than grief."