British former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a serious road traffic accident in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two people, authorities confirmed. The incident took place on a major expressway in Ogun State while Joshua was travelling with members of his team.
The collision involved a black Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and a stationary lorry on the roadside. Video footage from the aftermath showed significant damage to the vehicle. Joshua, who was seated in the car at the time, appeared visibly shaken and injured but conscious as he was assisted from the wreckage by those at the scene.
Emergency services confirmed that two occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, while others sustained injuries of varying severity. Joshua was taken to hospital for medical assessment, where his injuries were described as non-life-threatening. He remains in a stable condition under observation.
Initial reports suggest the accident occurred during an overtaking manoeuvre on the busy highway. Nigerian police and road safety officials have launched a full investigation to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the crash.
The tragedy has deeply affected the boxing community and fans in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world champion, has strong personal and cultural ties to Nigeria and was visiting the country privately at the time of the incident.
The accident occurred just ten days after Joshua’s high-profile victory over Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December 2025, a bout that marked a significant moment in his recent career. The timing has added to the shock surrounding the incident, as the boxer was understood to be taking time away from competition following the fight.
Messages of support and condolences continue to emerge, with widespread sympathy expressed for the families of those who lost their lives. Further updates on Joshua’s recovery and the ongoing investigation are expected in due course.
