Anthony Joshua, Britain’s two-time former world heavyweight boxing champion, was hospitalized in stable condition on Monday following a fatal road accident in southwestern Nigeria. According to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, two people traveling with Joshua were killed in the crash.
The accident took place on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, which connects the commercial capital Lagos with neighboring Ogun State. Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage through his parents, was in the country at the time of the incident and was taken to a hospital for treatment and observation.
Anthony Joshua Hospitalized After Fatal Crash On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway That Killed Two
Matchroom Boxing, the promotional company led by Eddie Hearn, confirmed the incident in a statement posted on X, saying Joshua “sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment” and would “remain there for observation.”
The company identified the two victims as Joshua’s close friends and trainers, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, adding that they had tragically passed away. Images circulating on social media showed Joshua being pulled from a badly damaged vehicle, appearing visibly distressed.
A joint statement from the Lagos and Ogun state governments later provided reassurance, noting: “Following thorough clinical evaluations, medical professionals have confirmed that both patients (hospitalized after the accident) are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time.”
An update regarding Anthony Joshua.
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 29, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of Sina and Latz. RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/SqqKqnvZTL
Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso confirmed the crash in a post on X, stating that government emergency services, including ambulances, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Ogun State Police added that Joshua had been seated in the back of a Lexus SUV and that the circumstances surrounding the crash were under investigation.
Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo later told ESPN that a mechanical failure caused the accident. “The accident happened as a result of a burst tire on AJ’s vehicle, which caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle to swerve into the stationary truck parked along the road,” he said.
However, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) later provided further clarification on the incident. Spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide said preliminary investigations indicated that the SUV was traveling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking maneuver, and crashed into a stationary truck parked along the roadside.
Joshua was transported to the hospital alongside another injured individual. Officials did not disclose additional medical details, beyond confirming that his condition was stable.
Anthony Joshua After The Crash: Reactions, Career Perspective, And What’s Next
The crash drew an outpouring of support from across the sporting world and Nigeria’s political leadership. President Bola Tinubu confirmed he spoke directly with Joshua while the boxer was hospitalized.
“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates,” Tinubu wrote on X. “I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him.”
He added that he also spoke with Joshua’s mother, who was deeply appreciative of the call. Tributes also came from fellow athletes. YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated by sixth-round knockout on December 19 in Miami, shared his reaction 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,” Paul posted on X.
Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn said he learned of the incident while traveling with his family. “I was away on a family holiday and awoke to the news of this incident,” he told Daily Mail Sport.
He added, “We don’t want to speculate on how [Joshua] is, but thankfully, he appears ok from what I have seen in the images.”
In Case You Missed: Jake Paul Supports Fiancée Jutta Leerdam After Heartbreaking Fall At 2026 Winter Olympics Trials
Joshua last held the world heavyweight championship before losing the title to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. Since then, he has been rebuilding toward another shot at the top of the division and has recently been linked to discussions over a potential all-British showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026.
The former champion has strong ties to Nigeria, having spent part of his childhood there after attending boarding school at the age of 11. He returned to the country in 2019 ahead of his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr., further reinforcing his connection to his parents’ homeland.
As of now, no additional updates on Joshua’s medical condition have been released, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
