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Joshua suffered minor injuries in a car crash that killed two other passengers
Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is reported to be in a 'stable' medical condition, having sustained minor injuries in a severe car crash in Nigeria. This tragic incident, however, claimed the lives of two other passengers who were identified as close associates of the boxer. Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Anthony Joshua and his mother, acknowledging the passing of Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The president also extended his wishes for Joshua's speedy and complete recovery, noting that the champion assured him he is receiving optimal medical attention. This news comes just days after a significant victory in Joshua's boxing career.
The car crash occurred around 11 a.m. local time near Sagamu, Nigeria, and its precise circumstances are currently under thorough investigation by local authorities. Police officials confirmed that Joshua was a passenger, seated in the rear of a Lexus SUV involved in the accident. He received immediate medical treatment for his minor injuries. Tragically, the two other passengers in the same vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations conducted by the Federal Road Safety Corps suggest that the SUV was operating 'beyond the legally prescribed speed limit' while attempting an overtaking maneuver. This led to the driver losing control and the vehicle crashing into a stationary truck. Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, further corroborated the event by posting a photograph from the crash site on social media, depicting Joshua standing outside the damaged vehicle, and confirming the presence of ambulances and his subsequent transport to a local hospital for care.
This unfortunate incident casts a significant shadow over Anthony Joshua's immediate future in professional boxing. It follows closely on the heels of his recent dominant knockout victory over Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, in a highly publicized bout where Paul reportedly sustained a broken jaw. Upon learning of Joshua's involvement in the crash, Jake Paul promptly took to social media to express his profound concern and sympathy. In his statement, Paul emphasized the paramount importance of human life over sports, writing, 'Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today's unfortunate accident.' Prior to this crash, Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, had ambitious plans for his return to the ring, including a possible fight with kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in late February or early March, with a much-anticipated heavyweight clash against fellow British champion Tyson Fury targeted for later in 2026. The current timeline for these proposed fights and Joshua's overall return to competitive boxing is now uncertain, heavily dependent on the full assessment of his injuries and his recovery period.