LAGOS, Nigeria — Boxing star Anthony Joshua has been injured in a serious car crash in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two people, according to multiple reports.
Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Ogun State, Nigerian outlet Punch reported. The crash occurred while Joshua was traveling with members of his entourage during a holiday visit to the country.
Photographs published by Punch show Joshua sitting in the back seat of the damaged vehicle surrounded by shattered glass, while video footage circulating online appears to show the 36-year-old in visible pain following the collision.
Two Dead, Joshua Suffers Minor Injuries
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that two occupants of the Lexus SUV “died on the spot,” while Joshua sustained what were described as minor injuries.
According to the FRSC, the vehicle was “suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit” and appeared to have “lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre” before crashing into a stationary truck on the side of the road.
Joshua, who was born in Watford, England, has strong family ties to Sagamu a town located close to the crash site in Ogun State.
Eyewitness Describes Rescue Effort
An eyewitness identified as Adeniyi Orojo, who was described as being part of the initial rescue effort, detailed the moments following the crash.
“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV,” Orojo told Punch. “Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him.
“There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.”
Orojo said bystanders immediately attempted to help.
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived. The passenger beside the driver and Joshua died on the spot.”
Joshua Was on Holiday After Jake Paul Win
Joshua had been vacationing in Nigeria following his recent return to the ring. On December 19, he stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round of their eight-round heavyweight bout at the Kaseya Center, a fight that drew massive global attention on Netflix.
The former London 2012 Olympic Games gold medalist had been expected to fight again in either February or March. With long-term plans still pointing toward a potential summer showdown with the currently retired Tyson Fury.
Career Plans Now Uncertain
While early reports suggest Joshua avoided serious physical harm, the tragedy surrounding the crash and the loss of two lives casts immediate uncertainty over his short-term boxing plans.
As of now, neither Joshua nor his team has issued a formal statement. Further updates are expected as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
