In a shocking turn of events, boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been injured in a devastating car accident that tragically claimed the lives of two individuals. This incident unfolded on Monday, as reported by the Nigerian police.
Joshua, 36, was enjoying a holiday in Africa after his recent victory over Jake Paul just days earlier. He was riding in the backseat of a vehicle that collided with a truck on the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. According to Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, the crash occurred while Joshua was with his entourage, and images circulating on social media depict him appearing dazed and surrounded by shattered glass.
The details surrounding this unfortunate accident are still under investigation, as authorities seek to piece together what led to such a tragic event. December is a particularly bustling time in Nigeria, especially around Lagos, which sees a surge of visitors from across the nation and abroad.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, expressed his concern in a statement to Daily Mail Sport, revealing that he learned about the incident while on vacation with his family. "We are trying to reach Anthony, and while we don’t want to speculate on his condition, it appears from initial images that he is okay," Hearn shared.
The collision reportedly took place around 11 a.m. in Makun, where eyewitness accounts suggest that two vehicles belonging to Joshua's team were traveling in tandem, with his security detail in a separate car following closely behind. Eyewitness reports indicate that those who lost their lives included a passenger in the front seat and another individual sitting next to Joshua, who was positioned behind the driver.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) issued a statement suggesting that the Lexus SUV Joshua was in may have been speeding prior to losing control during an overtaking maneuver, leading to the impact with a truck parked alongside the road. However, a witness named Kunle contradicted this, stating, "The truck was not stationary when the accident happened," adding that bystanders rushed to assist without initially realizing it was Joshua's vehicle involved.
Following the crash, the FRSC confirmed that Joshua's SUV was towed to a police station located in Sagamu, a city in the southwest region of Nigeria where his family has roots, and which he frequently visits. Further information revealed that both Joshua and another passenger were immediately transported to a specialized medical facility in Lagos for treatment.
A joint statement from the Ogun and Lagos State governments assured that both individuals are currently stable and do not require emergency medical procedures at this time. They confirmed that Joshua is conscious and has been able to communicate with his family, offering some relief amid the chaos. The governments are committed to ensuring that the best possible medical attention is provided as investigations into the accident continue.
Photos released by the FRSC showed the wreckage of the black SUV, with signs of blood evident on the roadway. An AFP reporter observed the large truck that was involved in the collision being removed from the highway later that day. Sadly, police confirmed that two people died at the scene of the accident, although their identities remain undisclosed. A representative for the Ogun state governor indicated that initial reports classified the victims as two male foreign nationals.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, President Bola Tinubu expressed his support for Joshua, praising his bravery and dedication as a sports figure who has always shown love for his country. Just earlier this month, Joshua had celebrated a significant win against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly publicized match backed by Netflix.
In light of this tragic incident, Paul took to X, stating, "Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone affected by today’s unfortunate accident." Meanwhile, Joshua’s future in boxing remains a topic of speculation, particularly regarding a potential matchup with fellow Brit Tyson Fury, anticipated to occur next year. It's worth noting that before his bout with Paul, Joshua faced a tough defeat against Daniel Dubois, where he suffered a knockout loss in the fifth round last September.
