UFC star Kamaru Usman has apologised after footage of a private FaceTime conversation with Anthony Joshua surfaced online.
The 38-year-old MMA fighter faced criticism when a clip showing him speaking with Joshua emerged, captured during preparations for the AKO event in Lagos, Nigeria on 30 December.
The FaceTime call took place just hours after a devastating road accident near Lagos that claimed two lives.
Usman admitted he had forgotten the exchange was being recorded while cameras followed him throughout the day.
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"After seeing what's being written it's quite heartbreaking," Usman wrote.
"I take full responsibility for not properly watching the video that was released and 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/ brother."
Joshua was travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV when it struck a stationary lorry on a major expressway close to the Nigerian city last week.
UFC star Kamaru Usman has apologised after footage of a private FaceTime conversation with Anthony Joshua surfaced online
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The collision proved fatal for two of the boxer's close friends and teammates, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
In the leaked footage that was shared online, the 36-year-old British heavyweight could be seen seated in a treatment room with bandages visible on his head and torso as he recounted the tragic events to Usman.
Both Ghami and Ayodele were laid to rest on Sunday following funeral services held at a mosque in London.
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Latif Ayodele (right) and Sina Ghami (centre-left) had all travelled to Nigeria with Anthony Joshua | INSTAGRAM/HEALTHY_MINDSETJoshua shared a moving tribute to his fallen friends on Instagram on Thursday afternoon, shortly after Usman issued his apology.
The heavyweight boxer expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support, writing: "Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers."
He reflected on the time spent with Ghami and Ayodele, stating: "I didn't even realise how special they are. I'll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men."
Joshua also acknowledged his own grief while recognising the deeper pain experienced by the victims' parents.
"100 per cent 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," he said.
Eddie Hearn has insisted Anthony Joshua is yet to make a decision about his boxing future
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Joshua's long-term promoter Eddie Hearn addressed the situation on Thursday, emphasising that his client requires space to process the tragedy.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Hearn said: "At the moment, Anthony needs time. Time and privacy. There will be no conversations from us about a career, any moves, what's next."
He added: "This is a terrible tragedy and Anthony's going to need his own time, physically and emotionally. And at the moment, there's nothing to discuss or say.
"Let's give him his time and pray for him and of course all the families involved in this terrible incident."