Anthony Joshua injured, in stable condition following fatal car crash in Nigeria
Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is in “stable” condition after suffering minor injuries Monday in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two other passengers, according to multiple reports.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on social media that he spoke with Joshua and Joshua’s mother to offer condolences over the fatal accident that claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s associates.
“I spoke with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, in the recent accident,” Tunubu said. “I wished him a speedy recovery and prayed with him. AJ assured me he was receiving the best possible care.”
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time near Sagamu, according to local authorities. The circumstances of the accident are under investigation.
“The vehicle carrying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident in circumstances which are currently under investigation,” local police said in a statement. “He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, suffered minor injuries and received medical treatment. Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene.”
Preliminary investigations indicated that the SUV carrying Joshua “exceeded the legally prescribed speed limit in the corridor, lost control during a passing maneuver and crashed into a stationary truck,” according to the Federal Highway Safety Corps.
Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos state commissioner for information and strategy, posted a photo of the accident on social media showing Joshua standing outside the crash site and said ambulances had been called. The police chief of the local station told The Associated Press that Joshua was taken to a local hospital to be “treated for his injuries.”
Joshua had returned to Nigeria, his parents’ homeland, after break Jake Paul’s jaw In his knockout victory against the YouTuber turned boxer a little over a week ago. Paul released a statement on social media after learning of Joshua’s involvement in the accident, saying: “Life is far more important than boxing. I pray for the lives lost, for AJ and for all those affected by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Joshua was aiming for a quick return to the ring following his victory over Paul, with promoter Eddie Hearn highlighting a possible fight with kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in late February or early March while awaiting a showdown with fellow former British heavyweight champion Tyson Fury later in 2026.
The timetable for his return to the ring is now in question and will depend on the injuries he suffered and how long it takes for him to fully heal.
