Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was hospitalised in Nigeria on Monday after being involved in a road accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members, his promoter confirmed. Joshua, 35, sustained injuries in the crash but is in a stable condition and remains under observation.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation,” Matchroom Boxing said in a statement. The promoter later identified the two fatalities as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. “With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away,” the statement added.
Police said the accident occurred around 11:00 am local time in Makun, along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major route linking Ogun State to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua was suspected to have been travelling above the prescribed speed limit. “The vehicle lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck by the side of the road,” the FRSC said.Photos circulating on social media showed Joshua being assisted from the wreckage, visibly in discomfort. Ogun State Police confirmed that Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, suffered minor injuries and was receiving medical attention alongside another injured person.
People gather at the accident scene of Anthony Joshua in Lagos, Nigeria. (Federal Road Safety Corps via AP)
A joint statement from the Lagos and Ogun state governments said medical evaluations indicated that both patients admitted after the crash were stable and did not require emergency intervention. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also spoke to Joshua by phone, offering condolences and wishing him a speedy recovery.Joshua, whose parents are from southwestern Nigeria, is a regular visitor to the country. Earlier this month, the two-time world champion knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix-backed bout in Miami. Talks have also been ongoing over a potential mega-fight with Tyson Fury in 2026.
