The boxing world is in shock after former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed two lives. The incident occurred Monday morning on the notoriously dangerous Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, leaving the British-Nigerian star hospitalized but stable.
The Crash: What Happened?
According to reports from Nigerian authorities, Joshua was traveling in a Lexus SUV near his ancestral hometown of Sagamu when tragedy struck around 11 a.m. local time. Preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle experienced a tire blowout while traveling at high speed during an overtaking maneuver. The driver lost control, causing the SUV to swerve into a stationary truck parked along the roadside.
Photos circulating on social media show emergency responders carefully extracting Joshua from the wreckage. The champion was wincing in pain but remained conscious throughout the rescue.
Joshua's Condition: Minor Injuries, Stable
The 35-year-old boxer sustained only minor injuries in the collision and was immediately transported to a specialized medical facility in Lagos. A joint statement from the Lagos and Ogun state governments confirmed that following thorough clinical evaluations, medical professionals determined Joshua is stable and requires no emergency intervention.
"He is conscious and has been in communication with his family," officials reported. Joshua's promoter, who was on holiday when the news broke, stated he appears "OK" based on initial images from the scene.Lives Lost: Two Team Members Killed
The true tragedy lies in the deaths of two of Joshua's closest associates. His strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif "Latz" Ayodele were both killed in the crash. The men had been instrumental in Joshua's recent training camp for his fight against Jake Paul.
Ayodele had posted videos playing table tennis with Joshua just hours before the accident, while Ghami shared a photo of them together at Lagos airport shortly after their arrival in Nigeria. Both men were described as "close friends" who had been by Joshua's side for years.
Tributes have poured in from the boxing community, with fellow fighters calling them "genuinely good men" who played pivotal roles in Joshua's success.
Political Attention: President's Personal Call
The incident garnered immediate attention from Nigeria's highest office. President Bola Tinubu personally called Joshua in the hospital to convey his condolences for the lost lives.
"I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him," the president posted on social media. "AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care."
Tinubu also spoke with Joshua's mother, who was reportedly "deeply appreciative" of the call during this devastating time.
The Road: Nigeria's Deadliest Highway
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has recently been identified as Nigeria's most dangerous road, with over 600 fatalities recorded in just 27 months. Authorities cited excessive speed and improper overtaking as primary causes of this latest tragedy, calling them serious traffic violations that continue to claim lives on Nigerian highways.
Looking Ahead: Boxing Future Uncertain
Joshua had just returned to Nigeria following his impressive sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, a fight where he reportedly earned around $92 million. His team had been eyeing a quick return to the ring, potentially in late February or March, while building toward a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury later in 2026.
That timeline now hangs in the balance as Joshua focuses on his physical recovery and processes the emotional trauma of losing his close friends. His opponent Jake Paul summed it up perfectly: "Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today's unfortunate accident."