Jake Paul has announced a heartfelt tribute to be honored in memory of Anthony Joshua’s late friends during the Amanda Serrano vs. Danila Tellez event tonight. The Most Valuable Promotions, owned by the YouTuber-turned-boxer, has placed the names of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami at the center of the ring canvas as a touching gesture for Joshua’s friends who tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Nigeria earlier this week. Joshua, who sustained minor injuries in the crash, has been discharged from the hospital.
Following a controversial fight with Paul, Joshua traveled to Nigeria where the fatal accident occurred. The collision between the SUV he was traveling in and a stationary truck took place near Makun on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun state. Paul and MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian have ensured that Ayodele and Ghami are remembered in advance of the Puerto Rico event on Saturday.
After confirming the tribute and promotion on social media, Paul responded with a simple message, expressing his condolences with a set of praying hands emoji. He emphasized the importance of life over boxing in his initial response to the tragedy.
Joshua has returned to the UK from the hospital, preparing to attend his friends’ funeral. A mosque in London will host a ceremony, including a ‘janaza prayer service’ for the departed. There is uncertainty whether Joshua will attend the funeral due to concerns about creating a spectacle.
Reports indicate that Joshua narrowly escaped the accident by switching seats just before the fatal journey that claimed the lives of his friends. The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Kayode’s lawyer maintains his client’s innocence, citing brake failure as the cause of the accident. The case has been adjourned for trial on January 20.