Boxing Star Anthony Joshua injured in fatal road crash in Nigeria
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday morning that resulted in the deaths of two people, according to police in Ogun State.
The incident occurred at around 11am on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, near the junction leading to Sagamu, when a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua collided with a stationary truck. Ogun State police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed that Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital, along with the driver of the vehicle.
“It’s still sketchy for us here,” Ogunlowo said. “We are trying to establish all the facts from the first responders. We will provide more details as updates become available.”
Police confirm fatalities
In a statement, the Ogun State Police Command said Joshua was seated in the rear of the vehicle at the time of the crash.
“The vehicle conveying Mr Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read. “Joshua sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention alongside another injured person.
“Tragically, two other passengers lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to the Livewell Hospital morgue in Sagamu.” Police extended condolences to the families of the victims and confirmed that a full investigation has begun.
Road safety officials cite speed and overtaking
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it arrived at the scene within three minutes of receiving the alert. According to the agency, five adult males were involved in the crash.
“Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt,” the FRSC said, confirming that Joshua was rescued alive with minor injuries.
Preliminary findings suggest the Lexus SUV was travelling above the legal speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, crashing into a truck parked by the roadside. The FRSC cited excessive speed and wrongful overtaking as the primary causes, describing them as major contributors to fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.
Images released by the agency showed a black SUV with severe front-end damage and a tarpaulin-covered truck on the roadside.
Videos show Joshua after the crash
Footage shared by local media outlet appeared to show Joshua sitting in the back seat of the damaged vehicle. A second video showed the boxer walking slowly before getting into a police vehicle.
Joshua had earlier posted a video of himself playing table tennis on Instagram on Monday morning, without revealing his location.
Background and reaction
Joshua, 36, is the son of British-Nigerian parents and has family ties in Sagamu, about 30 miles north of Lagos. He attended boarding school in Ikenne before returning to the UK at age 12.
The crash comes just days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round of a bout streamed on Netflix, marking his return after a 15-month absence from boxing. He had been widely expected to face Tyson Fury next year.
Paul reacted to the news on X, writing:
“Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.” Joshua’s UK management team said they had not yet been able to reach him.
SportsLigue