British boxer and former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, is currently in stable condition in the hospital after a car accident in Nigeria resulted in the tragic deaths of two passengers on Monday. Medical experts have verified the stability of both individuals who were hospitalized following the incident, according to a joint announcement by the Lagos and Ogun state authorities. The authorities have not disclosed the driver of the car Joshua was traveling in, and investigations are ongoing.
Matchroom Boxing issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, in the accident. The statement also confirmed that Joshua was admitted to the hospital and is under observation, with his condition reported as stable.
The Lagos state information commissioner, Gbenga Omotosho, confirmed the crash in a social media post, stating that ambulances were dispatched to the crash site on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a key route connecting Ogun state to Lagos, the nation’s economic hub, around 11 a.m. local time. The Ogun State Police released a statement indicating that the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua was involved in the accident under investigation.
Preliminary findings by the Federal Road Safety Corps spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, suggest that the vehicle was exceeding the speed limit, lost control during an overtaking maneuver, and collided with a stationary truck by the roadside. Joshua, whose parents are from Nigeria, briefly attended a boarding school there at the age of 11.
In a recent boxing match in Miami, Joshua defeated Jake Paul on December 19 as part of his training to regain his form in the ring after losing the world heavyweight title to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. Paul emphasized the importance of life over boxing and expressed his thoughts and prayers for those affected by the accident.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, is currently seeking information on the extent of Joshua’s injuries but noted that Joshua appears to be in stable condition based on available images. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reached out to Joshua in the hospital to offer condolences and wish him a prompt recovery.
Joshua’s condition remains undisclosed, but images circulating on social media show him being rescued from the wrecked vehicle, displaying signs of discomfort. The commissioner of police for Ogun state, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed that Joshua is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital and assured that further updates on his injuries will be provided when available. Joshua has been in discussions for a future bout with fellow British boxer Tyson Fury in 2026.