Boxing champion Anthony Joshua survived a horrific car crash in Nigeria on Monday that tragically claimed the lives of two other people. The accident occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway at Makun, Ogun State, while the former two-time world heavyweight champion was enjoying a holiday visit to his ancestral home.
The 36-year-old boxer was traveling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck. According to eyewitnesses and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the SUV formed part of a two-vehicle convoy. Joshua sat in the back seat at the time of the impact, which shattered the vehicle’s windows and left the car severely damaged.
Tragically, the collision killed two of Joshua’s close friends and team members, identified by promoter Eddie Hearn as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Emergency responders rushed Joshua to a nearby hospital, where doctors treated him for minor, non-life-threatening injuries. Officials currently describe his condition as stable, noting that he remains under observation but is conscious and communicating with his family.
Preliminary investigations by the FRSC suggest that excessive speed and a dangerous overtaking maneuver caused the driver to lose control. Other reports indicate a potential burst tire may have sent the vehicle swerving into the parked truck.
This tragedy follows just ten days after Joshua’s high-profile knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami. While the boxing world expected Joshua to return to the ring in early 2026 for a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, he now faces a period of recovery and mourning.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and fellow boxer Jake Paul have both expressed their deep sympathies. President Tinubu described the incident as a “tragic loss” that has cast a shadow over the festive season, while Paul reminded fans that “life is much more important than boxing.”
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