Anthony Joshua, the British boxer and former world heavyweight champion, was hospitalized Monday after a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two passengers. According to Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso, the incident happened around 11 a.m. local time on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a principal route connecting Ogun State with Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub.
The vehicle involved, a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua, was reportedly traveling at a speed exceeding the legal limit when it lost control during an overtaking maneuver. According to Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, the SUV collided with a stationary truck parked on the roadside. Ogun State Police affirmed that Joshua, seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is currently under medical care along with another injured individual.
The Ogun State government issued a statement confirming that preliminary investigations suggest the deaths of two male foreign nationals at the scene. The identities of the deceased have not been independently verified.
Joshua, whose parents have Nigerian roots, was reportedly en route on a major highway known for heavy traffic. Photographs circulating on social media show the boxer being extracted from the damaged vehicle, wincing in apparent pain. Lanre Ogunlowo, Ogun State Police Commissioner, stated that Joshua is hospitalized in an undisclosed location, though details regarding the extent of his injuries remain limited.
Jake Paul, the YouTube personality turned boxer who lost a recent bout to Joshua on December 19 in Miami, conveyed his concern on social media. "Life is much more important than boxing," Paul said, expressing prayers for those affected by the tragic accident.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, shared with Daily Mail Sport that efforts are underway to ascertain Joshua’s condition. Speaking from a family vacation, Hearn said, "We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate. Thankfully, from what I’ve seen in photos, he appears to be okay."
Joshua has a significant personal connection to Nigeria, having attended boarding school there at age 11 and making his first return in 17 years in 2019 ahead of a fight against Andy Ruiz Jr. Discussions about a potential bout with Tyson Fury in 2026 are reportedly ongoing.