British boxer Anthony Joshua is “stable” and recovering in hospital after a vehicle he was travelling in crashed in Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of two people.
On Monday evening, a statement from the former two-time unified world heavyweight champion confirmed the two people killed in the collision were Joshua’s close friends.
The incident occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday morning, just over a week after Joshua’s sixth-round knockout win over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami.
A video shared by the local news outlet Punch appeared to show Joshua sitting in the back left seat of a damaged car. A second video showed him walking slowly and getting into a police vehicle.
An official spokesman for Joshua said: “It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele. Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.
“We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news. Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”
A joint statement issued by the governments of Ogun and Lagos read: “Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos.
“Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time.
“A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely. Anthony Joshua is conscious and has been in communication with his family.
“The Governments of Ogun and Lagos States are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care.
“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have also commenced.”
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nigeria posted several pictures of the crash scene on X, revealing preliminary findings suggested a Lexus SUV “was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit”.
The FRSC added the vehicle lost control during “an overtaking manoeuvre” and crashed into a stationary truck by the side of the road.
The scene of the road incident in Ogun, Nigeria. Photograph: Emmanuel Adegboye/EPA
Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered his condolences, stating: “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him.”
Following a 15-month boxing lay-off, Joshua broke YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul’s jaw in two places on his way to victory in a contest broadcast by Netflix, drawing a global audience of 33 million viewers.
Paul sent the 36-year-old a message of support on social media. “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident,” he wrote said on X.
After the win on December 19th, his 29th victory in 33 professional contests, Joshua called out British rival Tyson Fury, who is currently retired, for a long-awaited bout in 2026. – Additional reporting by the Guardian