British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been injured in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two other passengers, police have confirmed.
The crash happened on Monday morning on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which links Ogun state to economic capital Lagos in south-west Nigeria. Lagos and Ogun state governments have issued a joint statement making clear two people died at the scene, while Joshua and another injured passenger were taken to hospital but "did not require any emergency medical intervention".
The two men who died were Joshua's close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, his promoter Matchroom Boxing said in a statement.
Police confirmed the 36-year-old boxer sustained minor injuries and is in a stable condition. Joshua, who has family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, was reportedly travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV at the time of the collision.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation but Olusegun Ogungbemide, a spokesman for the Federal Road Safety Corps, indicated the vehicle was illegally speeding and "lost control during an overtaking manoeuver and crashed into a stationary truck," which was by the side of the road.
"Life is much more important than boxing"
The fatal incident comes shortly after Joshua’s long awaited return to the ring in a high-profile bout against controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December. Joshua lost a world heavyweight title bout in 2021 to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.
"Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today's unfortunate accident," Paul said on Monday.
Joshua, a two-time worl heavyweight champion and one of the sport’s elite power punchers, secured a sixth-round knockout victory in a fight broadcast globally to millions on Netflix.
The Briton ended the fight conclusively with a powerful punch to Paul’s jaw, sending the American to the canvas for the fourth and final time. Paul was counted out as he struggled to get to his feet.
Concerns were raised in the buildup due to the mismatch in size and skills. Paul weighed in at 98 kilograms and Joshua at 110kg.
