• Joshua was traveling in back seat of Lexus SUV when vehicle struck parked truck on busy Nigerian highway
• Two passengers in the vehicle died at the scene, including one seated next to the boxer
• Crash occurred Monday morning near Sagamu, approximately 30 miles from Lagos

SAGAMU, NIGERIA (TDR) — British boxing champion Anthony Joshua suffered injuries Monday in a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two other passengers. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident.

The 36-year-old former world heavyweight champion sustained minor injuries. The Lexus SUV he rode in collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway around 11 a.m. local time.

Details of the Collision

Joshua sat in the rear of the vehicle when the crash occurred in Makun. Specifically, the collision happened approximately 30 miles from Lagos near the Sagamu Interchange. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Lexus exceeded the speed limit and lost control while overtaking.

“The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention.”

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Eyewitness Adeniyi Orojo told Nigerian newspaper The Punch there were four occupants in the vehicle. Meanwhile, Joshua’s security detail traveled in a separate car behind them. “The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died on the spot,” Orojo said. Furthermore, he added that the Lexus collided with a stationary vehicle.

Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunwalo told ESPN that a tire on Joshua’s vehicle burst, causing the driver to crash into the idle truck parked alongside the road.

Joshua’s Condition and Response

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Footage circulating on social media shows Joshua shirtless and grimacing in pain. Additionally, bystanders help him exit the wrecked vehicle surrounded by broken glass. Police spokesperson Babaseyi Boluwatife told CNN that “Anthony Joshua is well and responding to treatment.” Subsequently, he confirmed Joshua sustained only minor bruises.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said he was on a family holiday when he “awoke to the news of this incident.”

“We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate on how he is but thankfully he appears OK from what I have seen in the images. We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”

A representative for Joshua told ESPN that “early indications are he is OK but waiting on further official news.” Joshua could not immediately be reached for comment.

Investigation Underway

The Ogun State Police Command has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Meanwhile, officials conveyed the deceased passengers to Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu.

“The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced,” authorities said in a statement.

Additionally, Divisional Police Officer Ode Fredrick said officers were heading to the hospital to confirm the casualties involved in the crash.

Recent Victory Over Jake Paul

Joshua had been spending time in Nigeria following his December 19 fight with Jake Paul. Notably, he won by sixth-round knockout in Miami. Moreover, the victory marked his 29th win from 33 professional fights. Indeed, many saw it as moving him closer to a potential showdown with British rival Tyson Fury, who is currently retired.

Joshua, a three-time heavyweight champion, has held the WBA Super Heavyweight Championship, IBF Heavyweight Championship and WBO Heavyweight Championship. He lost his titles to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021.

Hours before the crash, at approximately 3:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, Joshua posted a video to Instagram showing him playing table tennis, though it’s unknown where or when the video was recorded.

Nigerian Heritage

Joshua was born in Watford, England, to British-Nigerian parents. During his youth, he attended a boarding school in Ikenne—approximately 53 miles from where the crash occurred. After his parents divorced, he returned to Britain at age 12. Throughout his career, the boxer has maintained strong ties to Nigeria.

As the investigation continues, will this tragic accident impact Joshua’s planned return to the ring in 2026?

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