Anthony Joshua Survives Fatal Car Crash, Two Passengers Killed
Boxing world mourns as former world champion recovers and two associates lose their lives in a tragic road accident.
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British former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is in a stable condition in hospital after being involved in a serious car crash in southwestern Nigeria that resulted in the death of two close friends and team members, authorities and his promoter confirmed on Tuesday.
The accident occurred on Monday morning on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, near the town of Makun in Ogun State. Joshua and several companions were traveling in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle collided — under circumstances that are still being investigated — with a stationary truck on the roadside.
Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promotional team, identified the two fatalities as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both of whom were described as long‑term friends and integral members of Joshua’s team. Ghami served as a strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele worked as a trainer. The organisation expressed deep condolences to the families and urged privacy during the difficult period.
Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries in the crash and was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. Local governments of Lagos and Ogun states issued a joint statement saying that Joshua and another injured individual were stable and did not require emergency intervention, but would remain under medical observation.
Images from the scene circulated on social media showed the former two‑time world heavyweight champion being extricated from the wreckage, visibly shaken and wincing in pain. Officials have not released detailed information on his specific injuries beyond stating he is stable.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary statements indicating the Lexus SUV may have lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before the collision. Emergency services from both states responded swiftly to the incident.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of support from the boxing community and beyond. Jake Paul, Joshua’s recent opponent in a high‑profile December 19 bout in Miami, tweeted that “life is much more important than boxing” and offered prayers for those affected. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also spoke with Joshua and extended his condolences to the bereaved.
Joshua, who recently looked to rejuvenate his career with a knockout victory over Paul and had been in discussions about a potential 2026 bout against fellow Briton Tyson Fury, now faces recovery following the harrowing incident.
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances leading up to the crash as tributes pour in for the two men who lost their lives.