Jake Paul has announced a heartfelt tribute will be dedicated to the late associates of Anthony Joshua during the Amanda Serrano vs. Danila Tellez event tonight. Most Valuable Promotions, the company owned by the YouTuber-turned-boxer, has honored the memory of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami by featuring their names prominently in the center of the ring canvas. Both individuals tragically lost their lives in a recent car accident in Nigeria, while Joshua miraculously escaped with minor injuries.
After a contentious match with Paul, Joshua headed to Nigeria where the fatal crash occurred. The collision between the SUV he was traveling in and a stationary truck near Makun along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway resulted in the loss of his friends’ lives.
In preparation for the upcoming event in Puerto Rico, Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian have made sure to highlight the names of Ayodele and Ghami.
Following the confirmation of the tribute and promotion by Paul, the 28-year-old athlete expressed his sentiments with a simple social media post, sharing a photo of praying hands. This gesture follows his earlier statement emphasizing the importance of life over boxing in the wake of the tragic accident.
Joshua has been discharged from the hospital and returned to the United Kingdom ahead of his friends’ funeral arrangements. A mosque in London is scheduled to host a ceremony where family and friends are invited to a ‘janaza prayer service’ in memory of the departed individuals.
There is uncertainty surrounding Joshua’s attendance at the funeral, with concerns that his presence could create unwanted attention. Reports indicate that Joshua narrowly avoided the fatal accident by changing seats shortly before the journey that claimed his friends’ lives. The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving and has pleaded not guilty.
Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, mentioned that the brakes allegedly failed, leading to the unfortunate incident. The case has been adjourned for trial in January.