Kamaru Usman Apologises After Leaked Private Call With Anthony Joshua Sparks Backlash
Former UFC welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman has issued a public apology after a private FaceTime conversation with ex-heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua surfaced online without permission.
The leaked footage appeared in a YouTube video Usman posted on Wednesday and captured an emotional exchange between the two fighters in the aftermath of a tragic road accident in Nigeria that killed two of Joshua’s close friends.
The call was made on December 30, a day after the crash, while Joshua was still hospitalised and shortly before an MMA event in Lagos. The accident occurred on December 29 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both close associates of the boxer.
Joshua survived the crash and was rescued from the damaged vehicle before being taken to Duchess International Hospital for treatment. In the video, he is seen on a hospital bed with bandages on his head and body, speaking candidly to Usman about the loss and admitting the weight of the tragedy had not fully registered.
During the call, Usman asked about where the victims were seated in the black Lexus at the time of the accident.
“One was in the front and one was behind him, on the right side. They both passed away. It still hasn’t sunk in. It still hasn’t hit me yet,” Joshua said.
“I’m sorry for that, man. You scared the world, I’ll tell you that right now,” Usman responded.
“Life is short, man. Life is short. And now look, I get to speak with you for the first time,” Joshua added.
“I know. It’s a funny way how things move, you know? We thank God,” Usman replied.
Anthony Joshua speaking to Kamaru Usman whilst still in hospital, following his recent crash. 🚨pic.twitter.com/YuISttaaex
— Cloudbet (@Cloudbet) January 8, 2026
Usman also reflected on the public reaction to the incident, saying, “You scared the world. It’s crazy because, obviously, we deal with the haters and all the bull**** every time, and it sucks that it takes something serious like this to really see how many people have their eyes on you.”
The decision to release the clip triggered widespread backlash online, with many criticising Usman for sharing such a personal and painful moment. Addressing the criticism on his Instagram story on Thursday, Usman admitted fault and apologised for the oversight.
“After seeing what’s being written, it’s quite heartbreaking. Being on camera that whole day in preparation for The AKO Show, it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded,” he wrote.
“I realised afterwards and asked about it. I take full responsibility for not properly reviewing the video that was released and for failing to keep my private conversation with my brother, AJ, private. SMH. Big L on me. That’s not something I would ever do to a friend or brother.”
After seeing what’s being written it’s quite heartbreaking. Being on camera that whole day in preparation for The AKO show, it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded. I realized after and asked about it. I take full responsibility for not properly watching…
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) January 8, 2026
