British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident on Monday, December 29, 2025, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two people and left him with minor injuries. The incident has shocked the sporting world and drawn national attention in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Joshua, 36, a former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, was travelling in a Lexus SUV with several members of his team when the vehicle was involved in a collision with a stationary truck near Makun in Ogun State, south-west Nigeria.

The crash took place shortly after 11 a.m. local time as the SUV attempted to overtake another vehicle. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said preliminary findings point to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking as key factors in the crash. The SUV veered off course and struck a stationary commercial truck parked by the roadside, causing severe damage.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes immediately after the collision. Videos circulating online showed the badly damaged vehicle and Joshua being assisted out of the wreckage by passing motorists while emergency crews approached the site.

Medical officials confirmed that Joshua sustained minor injuries and was conscious at the scene before being taken to a hospital for further evaluation. A joint statement from the governments of Ogun and Lagos states said that he was stable after comprehensive clinical assessments and did not require emergency surgery.

Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, also issued a statement saying he was receiving medical care and would remain under observation. The team asked for privacy for the families affected by the tragedy.

The crash claimed the lives of two passengers in the SUV. Their identities have been widely reported by international news outlets as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both of whom were close associates and part of Joshua’s training circle. Ghami was known to be part of his strength and conditioning team, while Ayodele served as a trainer and friend.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to a morgue in Sagamu, Ogun State, and authorities extended condolences to their families. The loss of these two men has been mourned deeply across the boxing community and among fans globally.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took to social media to express his sympathy to Joshua and the families of the victims, calling the accident “a deep tragedy” that cast a “shadow over the season.” Tinubu also indicated that every effort would be made to ensure Joshua received the best possible care.

Local authorities emphasised that the crash underlines the dangers of high-speed driving and reckless overtaking, especially on major highways like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which sees heavy traffic year-round. The FRSC reiterated its call for motorists to obey traffic laws and prioritise safety.

Veteran boxing promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his sorrow, describing the deaths as a “devastating loss” and offering prayers for all those affected. Many figures from the boxing community also shared their condolences on social media and through press statements.

In addition, fellow boxer Jake Paul, whom Joshua recently defeated in Miami, posted a message underscoring the fragility of life and offering his thoughts and prayers for the victims and the champion’s recovery.

Joshua had been in Nigeria shortly after his knockout victory over Jake Paul on December 19, 2025, in Miami. The heavyweight star has deep family ties to Nigeria, with his parents both from the country, and had been visiting Sagamu, Ogun State, where his father grew up.

This trip was meant to be a blend of celebration and holiday time with his team, but it has instead turned into a period of mourning following the tragic accident.

Formal investigations have been launched into the exact sequence of events and contributing factors behind the crash. Police and road safety officials have emphasised that such fatal accidents are often linked to basic traffic violations such as speeding and improper overtaking which are issues that still remain major concerns on several Nigerian highways.

Road safety campaigners hope that the high-profile nature of this tragedy will renew attention on enforcing traffic rules and improving driver conduct to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Anthony Joshua’s survival of this horrific crash brings relief to his fans and the wider sporting community, but the death of two close members of his team is a solemn reminder of the risks that everyday travel can carry, even for world-famous athletes. As victims are mourned, Nigeria and the global boxing world have united in shock, sympathy, and calls for safer road.