The global boxing community was plunged into shock on Monday, December 29, 2025, following a devastating road accident involving two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria. Just ten days after his high-profile victory over Jake Paul in Miami, the 36-year-old boxer's holiday visit to his ancestral homeland took a tragic turn, resulting in the deaths of two members of his entourage, though Joshua himself miraculously escaped with only minor injuries.

The incident occurred around 11:00 AM local time in the Makun axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, near the Sagamu Interchange. Preliminary reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and eyewitnesses indicate that a black Lexus SUV, with registration KRD 850 HN, carrying Joshua, collided violently with a stationary red commercial truck parked by the roadside. The impact was severe, completely crushing the front of the Lexus.

According to Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the FRSC, investigations suggest that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were the primary causes of the crash. It is believed that the vehicle was traveling well beyond the legal speed limit when the driver lost control during an overtaking maneuver, leading to the fatal collision with the parked truck.

Tragically, the accident resulted in the immediate deaths of two male passengers, later identified by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. These individuals, foreign nationals and part of Joshua's close entourage, were reportedly seated in the front passenger seat and the rear seat next to Joshua. Their remains have since been deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu.

Footage circulated on social media showed a shirtless, visibly shaken Anthony Joshua being assisted out of the wreckage by emergency responders and passers-by. While he appeared to be in pain, authorities confirmed he sustained only minor injuries. He received initial treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Sagamu before being transferred to a specialized facility in Lagos, where doctors declared him stable.

The tragedy has reignited a critical debate regarding the safety of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, often referred to by locals as the “Highway of Death.” This particular stretch of road is notorious for high-speed accidents involving stationary heavy-duty trucks. Data from between 2023 and early 2025 indicates that nearly 650 people have lost their lives on this highway, underscoring a systemic infrastructure crisis that nearly claimed the life of one of the world's most famous athletes.

Official reactions poured in following the devastating news. Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his shock from the Caribbean, stating that while Joshua appeared to be okay, the team was mourning the profound loss of their colleagues. The Ogun State Government extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also sent a heartfelt condolence message to Anthony Joshua. He expressed deep sympathies for the tragic loss of two precious lives and Joshua's injuries, acknowledging the boxer's courage, discipline, and unwavering love for the country. President Tinubu later confirmed that he spoke directly with Anthony Joshua and his mother, assuring them of the best possible care, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on the ground to oversee medical attention. He officially confirmed the deceased to be Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

In a striking display of compassion that transcended their recent rivalry, Jake Paul, Joshua's opponent from just nine days prior, offered his support. Paul, who was no match for Joshua in their recent fight, wrote on social media, "Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today's unfortunate accident." This statement highlighted the human aspect of sport, reminding the boxing world that even fierce competitors share a common humanity in the face of tragedy. While Joshua has not yet publicly commented, those close to him say he is devastated, mourning men who were more than employees; they were brothers.