Fury, Usyk and Klitschko lead tributes after tragic crash involving Anthony Joshua in Nigeria

The global boxing community has been left in shock following a devastating road accident in Nigeria involving former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, which resulted in the deaths of two members of his inner circle and left the boxer receiving medical care.

The incident occurred on Monday morning along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, near the town of Makun in Ogun State. Joshua, who was travelling with members of his team, was taken to hospital for observation and treatment. His promoter later confirmed that the boxer was in a stable condition.

Tragically, Sina Ghami, Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, and Kevin Latif Ayodele, widely known as Latz and his personal trainer, lost their lives in the crash.

Boxing world reacts with shock and sympathy

Messages of condolence quickly followed from some of the sport’s biggest names. Former rival Tyson Fury, who has been linked with a potential blockbuster fight against Joshua in 2026, expressed his sadness on social media.

“This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven,” Fury wrote, offering prayers to the families affected.

Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion who defeated Joshua twice during his reign, described the loss as “unbelievable.” In an emotional message, the Ukrainian star stressed that the victims were not just team members but close friends. “My sincere condolences to their families, loved ones, and everyone who knew them,” Usyk wrote, while also wishing Joshua a speedy recovery.

Former heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko, who famously lost his title to Joshua in their 2017 Wembley classic, also paid tribute, praising Joshua’s character and resilience. “My heart goes out to him and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Klitschko said.

Even Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated earlier this month in a high-profile Netflix-backed bout in Miami, paused rivalry to acknowledge the gravity of the situation, stating that life transcends sport.

Details of the Accident

According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle Joshua was travelling in may have been exceeding the speed limit while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre, before colliding with a truck along the roadside.

“The primary causes of the crash include excessive speed and wrongful overtaking,” the FRSC said, noting that both remain major contributors to fatal accidents on Nigerian highways.

However, a witness at the scene disputed parts of the official account, claiming the truck involved was not stationary at the time of the collision. Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing.

Joshua hospitalised, fight plans uncertain

Images circulating online showed Joshua seated inside the damaged vehicle, surrounded by shattered glass. His promoter later released a statement confirming that the boxer was under medical supervision and appealing for privacy for the families affected.

The accident comes just days after Joshua’s return to the ring, where he reignited discussions of a long-anticipated showdown with Fury. While those plans remain speculative, the focus has now shifted firmly to recovery and remembrance.

Joshua, who holds British citizenship but maintains strong ties to Nigeria through his family roots, is well known for spending time in the country during visits.

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As tributes continue to arrive, the tragedy has cast a sombre shadow over the sport, serving as a reminder of how quickly life can change beyond the ring. For now, the boxing world stands united in mourning, offering support to Joshua and honouring the memory of two men who played pivotal roles in his journey.