Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly in stable condition after being involved in a serious road accident in Nigeria on Monday, December 29, 2025. The crash, which occurred on a major highway, tragically claimed the lives of two individuals close to the British boxer.
The Accident: Timeline and Location
The incident took place at approximately 11 a.m. local time on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This key thoroughfare connects Ogun State to Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital. Preliminary reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps indicate that the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua was "traveling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit" when it lost control during an overtaking maneuver and collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
Photographs circulated on social media in the aftermath showed rescue workers carefully extricating Joshua from the wrecked vehicle, with the athlete visibly wincing in pain. He was seated in the rear of the SUV at the time of impact.
Casualties and Joshua's Condition
The Ogun State Government confirmed that two male foreign nationals died on the spot. They were later identified as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, described as close friends and team members of the boxer. Joshua and another injured person were rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
A joint statement issued by the Lagos and Ogun state governments provided an update on the hospitalized patients. "Following thorough clinical evaluations, medical professionals have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time," the statement read. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, posted on X that the boxer "sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital Monday for checks and treatment" and would remain under observation.
Lanre Ogunlowo, the Ogun state commissioner of police, told the Associated Press that "Anthony Joshua is in an undisclosed hospital being treated for his injuries," but offered no further specifics. The Ogun State Police's initial statement noted Joshua had sustained minor injuries.
National and Global Reactions
The accident drew immediate responses from high-profile figures. Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, personally called Joshua in the hospital. "I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates," the President stated on X. "I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him." He also mentioned speaking with Joshua's mother.
Fellow boxer Jake Paul, whom Joshua had defeated in a bout in Miami just ten days prior on December 19, also expressed his sentiments. "Life is much more important than boxing," Paul said. "I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident."
Eddie Hearn, who was on a family holiday when the news broke, told Daily Mail Sport he was "trying to contact Anthony" and refrained from speculating, adding he was thankful Joshua appeared okay from the initial images.
Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos state commissioner for information, confirmed the state government had dispatched ambulances to the crash site to assist.
Joshua's Connection to Nigeria
Nigeria holds personal significance for Anthony Joshua, as it is the homeland of his parents. He attended boarding school in the country briefly at age 11 and made a notable return in 2019 after a 17-year gap, ahead of his fight against Andy Ruiz Jr. The boxing world is now awaiting further updates on his health, especially with talks of a potential 2026 fight against fellow Briton Tyson Fury on the horizon.
