Former two time unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua was fortunate to not be seriously hurt in a Monday car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his friends in the automobile.
Former two time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was not significantly injured, but hospitalized in stable condition on Monday, following a tragic car accident in Lagos, Nigeria, that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and members of his training team.
Joshua was traveling in a Lexus SUV with friends when the vehicle was involved in the crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at around 11 a.m. local time. Two of the occupants, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, were pronounced dead at the scene. Both men were longtime associates of Joshua and played key roles in his training and personal life.
Videos and images of the aftermath quickly circulated on social media, showing a visibly injured Joshua being assisted from the wreckage. He was later transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s longtime promoter, confirmed the incident in a statement released later Monday afternoon.
“Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident on the outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria,” the statement read. “With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away. 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 also asked for privacy for all those affected during what it described as an “incredibly difficult time.”
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn shared his own message of grief on Instagram, writing, “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also addressed the tragedy, confirming that he personally spoke with Joshua following the accident. Tinubu said he offered condolences, wished Joshua a speedy recovery, and spoke with Joshua’s mother as well. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was reportedly present at the hospital and assured the president that Joshua was receiving the best possible medical care.
According to Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, the accident was caused by a ruptured tire on the SUV, which led the driver to lose control of the vehicle and collide with a stationary truck parked alongside the road.
The 36 year old Joshua was in Nigeria vacationing, following his recent sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul on December 19th in Miami, Florida, in a heavyweight bout streamed globally on Netflix. The win came after lengthy 15 month layoff with a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024, plus elbow surgery earlier this year.
Just hours before the accident, Joshua had shared a video on Instagram of himself playing table tennis with Ayodele, underscoring the sudden and devastating nature of the loss. Fellow boxer Badou Jack, who was also trained by Ayodele, paid tribute online, expressing his shock and grief, as well.
While Joshua had been expected to return to the ring as early as February, with a long term plan for a possible blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury, those plans are now uncertain.
Given his injuries and the emotional impact of losing two close friends, any immediate return to competition appears highly unlikely.