British boxer and former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, is currently in a stable condition at the hospital following a car accident in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two passengers on Monday. Both individuals who were hospitalized alongside Joshua are reported to be stable, as confirmed by medical professionals in a joint statement issued by the Lagos and Ogun state governments. The specific driver of the vehicle that Joshua was in has not been disclosed, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Matchroom Boxing released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, in the crash. The statement also verified that Joshua had been hospitalized and is under observation, with his condition listed as stable. The crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major route connecting Ogun state to Lagos, the economic hub of Nigeria.
According to reports from the Ogun State Police, the vehicle involved in the accident, a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua, was involved in the crash under circumstances that are currently under investigation. Joshua was seated in the rear of the vehicle and sustained minor injuries. Initial investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps spokesperson indicated that the vehicle was traveling above the legal speed limit, lost control during an overtaking maneuver, and collided with a stationary truck by the roadside.
Anthony Joshua, whose parents are from Nigeria, briefly attended boarding school in the country at the age of 11. In a recent boxing match in Miami, Joshua defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Dec. 19 as part of his efforts to regain his form in the ring after losing the world heavyweight title to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, mentioned that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the extent of Joshua’s injuries from the accident. 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. Further updates on Joshua’s condition have not been provided at this time.
Photos circulating on social media depict the boxer being rescued from the wreckage of the vehicle, showing signs of discomfort. Joshua had been in discussions for a potential bout with fellow British boxer Tyson Fury in 2026.