Anthony Joshua speaks out for the first time since fatal car crash

Anthony Joshua still in shock after the crash that took the lives of two of his close friends

Footage of a chat between Anthony Joshua and former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, surfaced on social media today, Thursday, January 8, in which the Brit admitted the tragic deaths of his two close friends and members of his team have still not sunk in.

The 36-year-old two-time world heavyweight champion was holidaying in Nigeria after his sixth-round knockout win of Jake Paul in Miami, when his jeep collided with a stationary vehicle, instantly killing two of his close friends, Sina Ghani and Abdul Lateef.

A funeral service was held on Sunday, January 4, of which Joshua was in attendance. Speaking out for the first time was captured on camera with Nigerian friend, Kamaru Usman.

“Obviously two of my close friends passed away,” the grieving boxer said on the phone.

“One was in the front and one was behind him, yeah on the right side.

“It still hasn’t sunk in, it still hasn't hit me yet.”

Usman replied: “I’m sorry for that, man.”

Joshua replied: “Life is short, man, life is short.”

Usman told him: “You scared the world.”

Timeline of events

Dec 29: Anthony Joshua survives horror car crash in Ogun State, Nigeria, with reports that two were pronounced dead at the scene.

Dec 29: AJ's two deceased friends are named as Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele.

Dec 31: Anthony Joshua released from hospital after two days stay, deemed clinically for to recuperate at home.

Jan 2: The driver of the car, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, is charged by police with death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The Nigerian chauffeur, who was a longtime driver for Joshua in Nigeria, was granted bail 5,000,000 Naira (£2,578) and remanded in custody pending his bail requirements being met, with the case adjourned until January 20.

Jan 4: The funeral prayer service for Sina Ghami and Abdul Lateef is held at the London Central Mosque.