Kamaru Usman has issued a public apology after footage of a private FaceTime conversation with Anthony Joshua surfaced online, sparking criticism online. The call took place in the immediate aftermath of a tragic road traffic accident near Lagos, Nigeria, last week. Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway. The devastating crash claimed the lives of two of his close friends and training partners, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Their funerals were held on Sunday at a mosque in London.

Tributes have poured in from across the boxing and MMA communities in honour of Ghami and Ayodele. Joshua himself has pledged to support their families for the rest of their lives. However, controversy arose when a short clip of Joshua speaking to former UFC welterweight champion Usman appeared online. The FaceTime call reportedly took place just hours after the collision and before an MMA event in Lagos on December 30. In the footage, Joshua can be seen inside a medical treatment room, visibly injured with bandages on his head and torso, as he recounts the traumatic events.

Usman, 38, was heavily criticised after the clip began circulating, with many accusing him of breaching Joshua’s privacy during an intensely vulnerable moment. The MMA star later took to social media to apologise, accepting full responsibility for the situation.

“After seeing what’s being written, it’s quite heartbreaking,” Usman wrote. “Being on camera that whole day in preparation for The AKO Show, it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded.

“I realised after and asked about it. I take full responsibility for not properly watching the video that was released and for not keeping 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.”

Shortly after Usman’s statement, a grieving Joshua shared a heartfelt tribute to Ghami and Ayodele on social media. Posting on Instagram on Thursday afternoon, the former heavyweight champion reflected on their bond and the pain of their loss.

“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers,” Joshua wrote. “I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’d just be walking with them and cracking jokes, not knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.

“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”

Joshua is now taking time away from the public eye as he mourns, with uncertainty surrounding his boxing future. Earlier this week, reports emerged suggesting the 36-year-old may be considering retirement. His uncle, Adedamola Joshua, told Nigerian outlet The Punch that the boxer had informed family members of his intention to step away from the sport.

“The major thing is that he has retired from boxing,” he said. “That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he fights, we are always emotionally affected.”

However, his long-time promoter Eddie Hearn adeclined to comment on Joshua’s future, emphasising the need for sensitivity during this period of grief. Speaking to talkSPORT on Thursday, Hearn said: “At this stage, it’s definitely a no comment from us, purely out of respect for Anthony and everything he’s been through with the tragic loss of Sina and Latz.”