Nigerian-British boxing star and two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been injured in a fatal road accident near Lagos, Nigeria, which claimed the lives of two members of his entourage, his promoter Matchroom has confirmed.
The deceased were identified as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both close associates and longtime friends of the boxer.
According to officials, Joshua was travelling in a convoy when his vehicle reportedly collided with a stationary lorry while overtaking at speed. Video footage circulating online shows the visibly injured boxer grimacing in pain as emergency responders rescued him from the wreckage.
Joshua was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. While the full extent of his injuries has not been officially disclosed, Matchroom confirmed that the boxer is stable and receiving medical care.
Joshua, 35, has family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State, and is known to spend time in Nigeria, particularly during the New Year period. A family member said that relatives were shocked and devastated by the incident, noting that the visit was part of his usual routine.
Tributes have begun to pour in from across the boxing world. YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, whom Joshua recently defeated in the ring, reacted to the news by saying, “Life is much more important than boxing.”
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
