British former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car accident today in Ogun State, Nigeria, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two individuals, according to local police reports.
The incident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Monday. Joshua, 36, was traveling in a black Lexus SUV when the vehicle collided with a stationary car. The Ogun State Police Command indicated that, despite sustaining minor injuries, Joshua was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the exact cause.
Eyewitness Adeniyi Orojo recounted the harrowing event to the Nigerian newspaper The Punch, detailing that Joshua was seated in the back seat behind the driver, alongside another passenger. There were a total of four occupants in the Lexus at the time of the accident, including a friend in the front passenger seat. Joshua’s security detail was traveling in a vehicle behind him when the collision occurred.
Orojo stated, “The collision happened suddenly, and unfortunately, the passenger beside the driver and the individual occupying the seat next to Joshua both died at the scene.” This heartbreaking loss has drawn significant attention, highlighting the dangers of road travel in the area.
Joshua, the son of British-Nigerian parents, has personal ties to Nigeria, having spent part of his childhood attending boarding school in Ikenne, located approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) from the accident site. He had returned to Nigeria following his recent fight against YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul on December 19, which he won convincingly by a sixth-round knockout. This match marked Joshua’s comeback after a 15-month hiatus from boxing.
Looking ahead, Joshua is expected to face his longtime rival Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated bout scheduled for 2026, a fight that fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting.
