Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been involved in a serious road traffic accident in Nigeria, emerging with minor injuries while tragically losing two close friends and members of his team.
The Fatal Collision on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The incident occurred at approximately 11am local time on Monday 30 December 2025 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Reports indicate the Lexus Jeep carrying Joshua collided with another vehicle, a Pajero.
Eyewitness Adeniyi Orojo told Nigerian newspaper The Punch that Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another passenger beside him, making four occupants in the Lexus. His security detail was reportedly travelling in a separate vehicle behind them.
Team Members Confirmed Among the Fatalities
With profound sadness, Joshua's promotional company Matchroom Boxing and management group 258 MGT confirmed the deaths of two individuals central to the boxer's camp.
Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, Joshua's personal trainer and a constant presence over the last decade of his career, was one of the victims. Known on social media as healthy_mindset, Ayodele was seen playing table tennis with Joshua mere hours before the fatal crash.
The second casualty was Sina Ghami, a physio and strength coach within Joshua's team and a personal friend of the boxer.
Joshua's Condition and Wider Reaction
Anthony Joshua, who is of Nigerian heritage, was on holiday in Africa following his high-profile sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami just ten days prior. He was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to hospital for checks and treatment.
Official statements confirm he is in a stable condition and will remain under observation. He has reportedly spoken to his family.
Promoter Eddie Hearn stated he was gathering information but believed Joshua was "OK". Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu revealed he had spoken to Joshua personally to convey his condolences and wish him a speedy recovery.
Fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr paid tribute on social media, writing: "Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families."
The statement from Matchroom Boxing concluded: "Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time."
