LAGOS, Nigeria Anthony Joshua, the two-time former world heavyweight champion from Britain, remained in stable condition at a hospital on Monday following a devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, confirmed Joshua “sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment” and would stay there for observation. The statement named Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele as the two passengers who tragically passed away.
Crash Details Emerge on Busy Expressway
The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. local time on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major thoroughfare connecting Ogun State to Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub. This route holds personal significance for Joshua, whose parents hail from the country.
Preliminary investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps revealed the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua was traveling beyond the speed limit, lost control during an overtaking maneuver, and collided with a stationary truck by the roadside. Joshua, seated in the rear, suffered minor injuries according to the Ogun State Police.
Social media photos captured the wrecked vehicle and Joshua being extricated while visibly in pain. The Ogun state government reported that two male foreign nationals died at the scene.
Official Response and Medical Update
A joint statement from the Lagos and Ogun state governments affirmed that both the hospitalized patient, Joshua, and another individual were stable and required no emergency intervention after thorough evaluation.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso confirmed the crash on X and noted that ambulances were dispatched promptly. Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo stated Joshua was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Tributes Pour In from the Boxing World and Leaders
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu personally called Joshua in the hospital, conveying condolences over the death of his two associates and wishing him a speedy recovery. He also spoke with Joshua’s mother.
Boxing rival Jake Paul, recently defeated by Joshua in Miami, shared: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn, on a family holiday, expressed relief after seeing images suggesting Joshua appeared okay.
Joshua’s Nigerian Ties and Future Plans
Joshua attended boarding school in Nigeria at age 11 and returned after 17 years in 2019 before facing Andy Ruiz Jr. The crash occurred shortly after his victory over Jake Paul, which aimed to regain ring sharpness following his 2021 title loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua has been in talks for a potential 2026 fight with fellow Briton Tyson Fury. No updates indicate how this tragedy might impact those plans.