Anthony Joshua, widely recognized in the United Kingdom by his initials AJ, has been a significant figure in the sphere of heavyweight boxing, boasting a widespread fan base and an accomplished career marked by knockout power and memorable victories. Just ten days after securing a notable win against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul during a bout broadcast by Netflix in Miami, the 36-year-old former world heavyweight champion was involved in a serious road accident in Nigeria.
The incident occurred on a Lagos highway, where the vehicle carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck. Tragically, this accident resulted in the deaths of two members of Joshua’s entourage, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Matchroom Boxing, his promotional company, confirmed that Joshua is currently in stable condition following the crash.
Joshua’s fight against Jake Paul marked his return to the ring after a hiatus since September 2024, when he was defeated by Daniel Dubois in London. This victory was seen both as a return to form and a means to regain competitive sharpness after a challenging period in his boxing career.
Throughout his professional journey, Joshua has achieved remarkable milestones. After securing a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, he transitioned to professional boxing and swiftly ascended the ranks to become world heavyweight champion within four years. His knockout of long-standing champion Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in 2017 was a defining moment, showcasing his dominance as a heavy hitter.
Joshua’s professional career started strongly with 22 consecutive wins, until he suffered an unexpected defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in New York in 2019, marking his first bout outside Britain and the loss of his titles. Demonstrating resilience, Joshua reclaimed the heavyweight championship six months later in a rematch, solidifying his status as a two-time world champion. However, subsequent back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk resulted in the loss of his titles once more.
Despite these setbacks, Joshua expressed his commitment to continue in the sport. His recent fight against Jake Paul served as a platform to sharpen his skills ahead of a potential return to elite-level competition. The impact of the Lagos accident on his boxing career remains uncertain at this stage, with officials yet to provide detailed updates on his recovery timeline or competing plans.
Joshua holds a personal connection to Nigeria, with family heritage stemming from the country. During his youth, he briefly attended boarding school there and maintains Nigerian nationality alongside his British citizenship. This dual identity further deepens his ties to the region, underscoring the significance of the accident occurring on Nigerian soil.