Anthony Joshua shaken by 1 tragic crash in Nigeria that leaves two dead
Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car accident in Nigeria on Monday that tragically claimed two lives, while the former heavyweight champion himself escaped with minor injuries, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred at around 11 a.m. local time on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, an area close to Joshua’s ancestral hometown. Joshua was traveling in the back seat of a Lexus SUV when the vehicle was involved in a collision under circumstances that are now the subject of a police investigation.
In an official statement, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the crash was caused by a burst tire on Joshua’s vehicle. The sudden failure reportedly caused the driver to lose control, sending the SUV into a stationary truck that had been parked along the roadside. Police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo told ESPN that two people lost their lives at the scene, though it has not yet been confirmed which vehicle they were traveling in.
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Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, sustained minor injuries and was taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical evaluation. Images that quickly circulated on social media showed the boxer being assisted out of the wreckage, visibly in pain but conscious. Authorities have emphasized that while the incident was severe, early indications suggest Joshua is recovering and not in critical condition.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, addressed the situation shortly after news of the crash broke. Speaking to Daily Mail Sport, Hearn explained that Joshua was on vacation in Nigeria with his family when the accident occurred. “We’re trying to contact Anthony and don’t want to speculate on his condition,” Hearn said. “From what I’ve seen in the images, he appears to be OK, but we’re awaiting official confirmation.”
A representative for Joshua echoed that sentiment in comments to ESPN, stating that while the situation remains fluid, early reports are encouraging. “We’re waiting on further official news, but initial signs suggest he is okay and receiving the necessary medical attention,” the spokesperson said.
Anthony Joshua involved in 1 tragic road crash in Nigeria that claims two lives
The tragedy has cast a shadow over what had been a positive stretch in Joshua’s boxing career. Just nine days earlier, the 35-year-old scored a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami, marking the 29th win of his professional career in 33 bouts. The victory had reignited discussions around a potential blockbuster showdown in 2026 with longtime British rival Tyson Fury, who is currently retired.
Joshua had traveled to Africa following that fight, combining rest with time spent reconnecting with his roots. The crash, however, has abruptly shifted focus away from boxing and toward recovery and the ongoing investigation.
The Ogun State Police Command has stated that it will provide further updates as more details become available. Investigators are continuing to assess the scene and confirm the full sequence of events, including the identities of those who lost their lives.
As tributes and messages of concern pour in from fans and fellow fighters around the world, the mood remains one of relief that Joshua avoided life-threatening injuries, tempered by grief over the loss of life caused by the accident. For now, the priority remains his recovery and allowing authorities to complete their investigation, as the boxing world waits for clearer answers and official updates on his condition.
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In the meantime, Joshua’s team is expected to remain in close coordination with local authorities and medical professionals to ensure his safe recovery before any travel plans are made. While there is no immediate timeline for his discharge or return to training, sources close to the boxer have stressed that his health will take precedence over all boxing commitments. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, and as the investigation continues, both fans and the wider sporting community are hoping for continued positive updates while honoring the lives lost in the tragic crash.
