British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua has been injured in a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two people, local police have confirmed.
The 36-year-old former two-time heavyweight world champion was travelling in the back of a Lexus SUV when it crashed on Monday morning along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, in Ogun State. Police said Joshua suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
🚨BREAKING: Anthony Joshua injured in a fatal car crash in Nigeria, two people dead.
Anthony Joshua was reportedly injured in a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two people. According to local reports, the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck… pic.twitter.com/qC1u3PylYn
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 29, 2025
Authorities said the vehicle was part of a convoy and was moving through a busy section of highway when it collided with a stationary truck parked on the roadside.
What Police Say Happened
The Ogun State Police Command said the crash occurred at around 11 a.m. local time while Joshua was being driven through the area near his ancestral hometown.
“The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated,” police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said in a statement.
“He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention. Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene.”
The crash happened on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways
Police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo later said preliminary findings suggest a tyre burst caused the driver to lose control before the SUV veered into the parked truck. Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps also indicated the vehicle may have been travelling above the legal speed limit when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre.
Victims Killed at the Scene
Witnesses and emergency responders said two occupants of the Lexus SUV died instantly from the impact.
An eyewitness, Adeniyi Orojo, told Nigerian media that Joshua was seated behind the driver with another passenger beside him, while another person sat in the front passenger seat. According to Orojo, the passenger beside the driver and the person seated next to Joshua were killed on the spot.
Joshua’s security detail was reportedly travelling in a separate vehicle behind the SUV when the crash happened.
Joshua Taken to Hospital
Photos circulating on social media showed Joshua being helped from the damaged vehicle, appearing to be in visible discomfort as emergency crews worked at the scene.
Police confirmed the boxer was transported to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. A representative for Joshua later said early indications suggested he was in stable condition, though no further medical details have been released.
Joshua has not yet made a public statement about the incident.
Promoter and Team Respond
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he was alerted to the incident while on holiday and was trying to reach the fighter.
“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,” Hearn said. “We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”
Nigerian police said a full investigation is underway and further updates will be provided as more facts are confirmed.
Joshua Was in Nigeria After Jake Paul Fight
The crash occurred just days after Joshua’s return to the ring following a lengthy layoff. On December 19, he defeated YouTube-turned-boxer Jake Paul by sixth-round knockout in Miami, marking his 29th win in 33 professional fights.
Joshua had recently defeated Jake Paul by sixth-round knockout in Miami before travelling to Nigeria
Joshua had been spending time in Nigeria following the bout, where he has strong family ties and attended boarding school as a child before moving to the United Kingdom.
The victory over Paul was expected to move Joshua closer to a long-anticipated showdown in 2026 with British rival Tyson Fury, who is currently retired.
Also Read: Don Warrington Passes Away Rumours Spark Confusion After Death In Paradise Christmas Episode
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities in Ogun State say investigators are reviewing vehicle damage, road conditions and witness accounts to determine the exact cause of the crash. Officials have not yet confirmed whether any charges will be laid.
For now, attention remains on Joshua’s recovery and the circumstances that led to the deaths of two people in what police have described as a tragic and avoidable incident.
FAQs
- What happened to Anthony Joshua in Nigeria?
Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash in Ogun State, Nigeria, when the Lexus SUV he was travelling in collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
- Was Anthony Joshua seriously hurt?
No. Police say Joshua suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. He is expected to recover.
- Did anyone die in the crash?
Yes. Two people who were travelling in the same vehicle as Joshua died at the scene, according to Nigerian police.
- Where did the Anthony Joshua car crash happen?
The crash happened on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu in Ogun State, along a major highway linking Lagos to nearby cities.
- What caused Anthony Joshua’s crash?
Preliminary police findings suggest a tyre burst caused the vehicle to lose control and crash into a parked truck, though investigations are still ongoing.
- Was Anthony Joshua driving the car?
No. Joshua was seated in the back of the vehicle at the time of the crash, police said.
- Why was Anthony Joshua in Nigeria?
Joshua was in Nigeria on holiday following his recent boxing win over Jake Paul in Miami earlier this month.
- What fight did Anthony Joshua have before the crash?
He defeated Jake Paul by sixth-round knockout in Miami on December 19, marking his 29th professional victory.
- Has Anthony Joshua spoken about the crash?
No. As of now, Joshua has not made a public statement about the incident.
- Will the crash affect Anthony Joshua’s boxing career?
There is no indication yet that it will. His injuries were described as minor, but his recovery will determine when he returns to training.
