Anthony Joshua, the ex-world heavyweight champion from Britain, is in a “stable” condition at a hospital following a car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two others on Monday. Medical experts have confirmed the stability of both hospitalized individuals post-crash, as stated in a joint release by the Lagos and Ogun state governments. The driver of the vehicle Joshua was traveling in has not been disclosed, with ongoing investigations into the incident.
Matchroom Boxing expressed deep sorrow over the loss of two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, who tragically passed away in the accident. The statement also confirmed Joshua’s hospitalization and continuous monitoring, with his condition reported as stable.
The Lagos state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotosho, verified the crash in a post on X, mentioning that ambulance services were dispatched to the crash site on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a vital link between Ogun state and Lagos, the nation’s economic hub. Ogun State Police revealed that Joshua was seated in the back of a Lexus SUV involved in the crash under investigation. He sustained minor injuries.
Preliminary investigations by Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, indicated that the vehicle was speeding beyond the legal limit, lost control during an overtaking maneuver, and collided with a stationary truck on the roadside. Joshua has familial ties to Nigeria, where his parents hail from, and where he briefly attended boarding school at age 11.
In a bout in Miami on Dec. 19, Joshua defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, aiming to sharpen his skills in the ring following his loss of the world heavyweight title to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. Paul emphasized the importance of life over boxing, extending prayers to those affected by the accident.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, is actively seeking updates on Joshua’s injuries, as the boxer receives treatment at an undisclosed hospital. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reached out to Joshua in the hospital, expressing condolences for the loss of his associates and wishing him a speedy recovery. Joshua’s mother also received prayers and well-wishes during the call.
Social media images exhibit Joshua being rescued from the wrecked vehicle in visible discomfort. The commissioner of police for Ogun state, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed Joshua’s hospitalization and treatment for injuries, with no further details provided. Joshua had been in discussions to face Tyson Fury, another British boxer, in 2026.