Anthony Joshua, the former world heavyweight champion from Britain, is currently in a stable condition at a hospital in Nigeria following a car accident that resulted in the deaths of two other individuals. Medical experts have confirmed the stability of both patients who were hospitalized after the incident, as stated in a joint announcement by the governments of Lagos and Ogun states.
The specific driver of the vehicle carrying Joshua has not been disclosed by officials, and investigations into the matter are ongoing. Matchroom Boxing released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, in the accident. The statement also mentioned that Joshua had been admitted to the hospital and is under observation, with his condition reported as stable.
The car crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a significant route connecting Ogun state to Lagos, and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene promptly. The Ogun State Police indicated that the vehicle, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently under investigation. Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries.
Preliminary investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps revealed that the vehicle was traveling at a speed exceeding the legal limit, lost control during an overtaking maneuver, and collided with a stationary truck on the side of the road. Joshua has familial ties to Nigeria, where his parents are from, and he briefly attended a boarding school there at the age of 11.
In a recent boxing match in Miami, Joshua defeated Jake Paul on December 19 to sharpen his skills in the ring after losing the world heavyweight title to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. Paul expressed his condolences and concern for the lives lost in the accident, emphasizing the significance of life over sports.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, is actively seeking information on Joshua’s injuries and confirmed that Joshua appears to be okay based on initial assessments. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu personally contacted Joshua in the hospital to offer condolences for the loss of his associates and wished him a speedy recovery. No detailed updates on Joshua’s health status have been disclosed so far.
Photos circulating on social media depict Joshua being rescued from the wreckage of the vehicle, displaying signs of discomfort. The Commissioner of Police for Ogun state, Lanre Ogunlowo, informed The Associated Press that Joshua is receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital, with no further details available on his injuries. Joshua had been in discussions for a potential match against fellow British boxer Tyson Fury in 2026.