World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been involved in a tragic auto accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Ogun State, Nigeria. The incident, which occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, claimed the lives of two individuals and left Joshua with minor injuries. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his profound sorrow and extended his condolences to the boxing star and the families of the deceased.

Reports from Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicate that Joshua’s black Lexus SUV collided with a stationary red commercial truck. Preliminary investigations suggest that high speed and wrongful overtaking were contributing factors, as the vehicle appeared to have lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into the truck parked by the roadside. Five adult men were involved in the crash, with two fatalities, two others surviving without injuries, and Joshua being taken to hospital.

In a heartbreaking development, one of the deceased was initially identified as Joshua’s personal trainer, known as Latz, who had arrived in Nigeria barely 24 hours before the accident. Fellow boxing champion Badou Jack confirmed Latz’s passing in a shocked Instagram post. Joshua's promoter, Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG, later confirmed with profound sadness that the two fatalities were “two close friends and team members” identified as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries in the accident and was transported to the hospital for checks and treatment. His promoter confirmed he is in a stable condition and will remain under observation. Photos from the scene, shared by the FRSC, showed the 36-year-old being assisted out of the back seat of the badly damaged black SUV amidst broken glass. The former world champion was reportedly spending time in Nigeria, where his family hails from Sagamu, Ogun State, following his recent victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous roads, particularly during the festive season when traffic volumes increase significantly as Nigerians living abroad return home. The tragedy cast a deep shadow over the festive period.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conveyed his deep sympathies to Joshua, acknowledging the heavy emotional toll of the incident. In his message, President Tinubu praised Joshua's courage, discipline, and unwavering love for Nigeria, qualities that have made him a source of national pride. He offered prayers for Joshua’s speedy recovery and for strength, wisdom, and grace during this painful period, also praying for the repose of the souls of the departed. Jake Paul also reacted to the news on X, stating, “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”