Luke Littler has paid tribute to Anthony Joshua's two friends who recently died in a car crash that left the British boxer hospitalised.
Speaking minutes after winning back-to-back World Championship titles at Alexandra Palace - after a thumping 7-1 win over Gian van Veen - the teenage darts star was quick to send his condolences to his fellow British sports star.
Joshua’s strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, both 36, were killed when their vehicle smashed into a stationary truck near Lagos earlier this week.
The 36-year-old former world champion was pulled from the wrecked 4×4 but escaped with only minor injuries. And now Littler has sent a message of condolence.
Asked about his historic win, Littler said on stage: "It feels amazing. I think I'm a bit late, but I've been wanting to say this.
"Obviously everyone knows what happened with Anthony Joshua and his guys and his team. Rest in peace to his friends.
"But just like AJ said, the first time was so nice, I had to do it twice."
Littler's friend and king of the jungle Angry Ginge was in attendance and Littler has a new job for him - tackling the wasp which returned to the Ally Pally stage during the final.
"I'll get Angry Ginge to sort it," he laughed. "I still, I say every year, someone has to bring that wasp out. They don't just come out of nowhere. No chance."
Van Veen was disappointed he was unable to give Littler a real game.
"I would have liked to lift the title, but I would have liked more to give Luke a game, and that's what I didn't do.
"I lost too many legs while I wasn't involved. I missed too many chances. But you know, looking back at this tournament, I'm very proud for getting even to the final."
