British boxer Anthony Joshua survived a speeding accident that killed two friends
Two of Anthony Joshua’s close friends have died in a horrific, high-speed road crash involving the former British world boxing champion in Nigeria, a week after he knocked out American superstar Jake Paul in the sixth round in a fight in Miami.
Joshua received minor injuries and is reported to be in a stable condition after being admitted to hospital.
His promoter, Matchroom Boxing, said in a statement that Joshua’s friends and team members who died in the accident were Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
A statement from Matchroom Boxing on Monday night read: “Anthony Joshua was involved in a road accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today.
“With great sadness, it has been confirmed that two good friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have died tragically.
“Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for assessment and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.
“Our condolences and prayers go out to the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy be respected at this incredibly difficult time. No further comment will be made at this time.”
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to Joshua and the families of the victims, calling the incident “a great tragedy that casts a dark shadow over this season”.
The accident happened in Ogun State in Nigeria on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
According to the Ogun State Police Command, the car (a black Lexus) that Joshua was traveling in collided with a parked truck. The cause of the accident is being investigated, and the police did not reveal whether Joshua or anyone else was one of the drivers involved.
Speeding is suspected in Anthony Joshua’s accident
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of Nigeria said initial results indicate that the car was traveling at high speed when it lost control when it overturned and hit a parked truck.
The FRSC statement said: “The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) wishes to confirm the fatal road accident that occurred today, Monday, December 29, 2025, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State, involving a Lexus Jeep carrying world famous boxer, Anthony Joshua, and a truck belonging to Anthony Joshua.”
The accident happened in the middle of the day, and the FRSC said its personnel arrived at the scene within three minutes to evacuate the victims and start rescue operations.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be exceeding the speed limit in the tunnel, lost control when it overturned and hit a truck that was parked along the side of the road,” FRSC added.
“The main causes of accidents are speeding and overtaking which are violations of traffic laws and are among the leading causes of fatal accidents on Nigerian highways.”
Joshua, 36, from Britain, Nigeria, was returning to the ring after being laid off for 15 months. He is expected to fight long-time rival and fellow Briton Tyson Fury in 2026.
