British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been hospitalized in stable condition after a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends and team members. The incident occurred on Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State, just 10 days after Joshua's knockout victory against Jake Paul in Miami.
Joshua, 36, was a passenger in a Lexus SUV when it collided with a stationary truck. The crash claimed the lives of his strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif "Latz" Ayodele. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for observation.
Matchroom Boxing and 258 MGT issued a joint statement late Monday: «With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away. Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that 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.» The statement added: «Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time. No further comment will be made at this time.»
Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh described Joshua as having been "inches from death" in her Tuesday broadcast. Video footage showed Joshua appearing dazed at the scene, with his vehicle having sustained heavy damage.
Presidential intervention
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally called Joshua from overseas to express his condolences. «I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital,» Tinubu said. The president also spoke with Joshua's mother, stating: «I also spoke with AJ's mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.»
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was with Joshua at the hospital, assured the president that the boxer would receive the highest standard of care. The state government launched an investigation into the crash circumstances.
Context
Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, was in Nigeria following his December 19 knockout victory against Jake Paul in Miami. Hours before the crash, Joshua had posted an Instagram video showing him playing table tennis with Ayodele. The incident almost certainly jeopardizes Joshua's anticipated February return to the ring and ongoing talks for a 2026 showdown with Tyson Fury.
Initial reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps suggested speeding and an overtake attempt caused the crash. Ogun state's police commissioner later stated a burst tyre caused the driver to lose control and «swerve into the stationary truck parked along the road». Joshua's security team, traveling in a vehicle directly behind him, reportedly avoided the collision.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
