British heavyweight boxing icon Anthony Joshua has miraculously survived a devastating road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest companions.
A Tragic Incident on a Deadly Road
The 36-year-old two-time world champion was a passenger in a black Lexus SUV on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun when the vehicle was involved in a catastrophic collision with a stationary truck. The crash occurred at midday local time and resulted in the tragic deaths of Joshua's friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Joshua, alongside two other passengers, survived the impact and was subsequently taken to Duchess International Hospital in Lagos for treatment. Local police have confirmed to Daily Mail Sport that the boxer is in a 'stable' condition with 'minor' injuries, though some reports suggest his injuries may be more severe than initially stated.
Investigation Points to Speed and Tyre Failure
Preliminary investigations by Nigerian traffic police indicate the crash was caused by a tyre blowout. Babatunde Akinbiyi, Police Commander of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (Trace), stated the vehicle had 'experienced a tyre burst because of excessive speed'.
According to The Telegraph, the car was believed to be travelling over the 50mph speed limit during an overtaking manoeuvre on a road notoriously considered one of Nigeria's most dangerous. An eyewitness described a two-vehicle convoy, with Joshua seated behind the driver in the lead Lexus and his security detail following in another car.
Resurfaced Speech Highlights Life's Fragility
In the wake of the accident, a poignant speech Joshua gave in May to BoxingKingMedia has recirculated widely. In it, the boxer reflects on the transient nature of life and material pursuits. 'All that's guaranteed is death,' Joshua said. 'All that's going to be important is just living to the best of our capability. Ain't it mad how fast life will go?'
His words have taken on a profound new significance following the crash that killed his friends. The speech was shared by rival heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who expressed his condolences, wishing Joshua's friends 'a good bed in heaven'.
Family Rushes to Bedside as Recovery Begins
Joshua's mother, Yeta Odusanya, rushed to his hospital bedside after being informed of the crash by Nigeria's president. A statement from the boxer's uncle, Adedamola, revealed the family's shock and their eagerness to see him, albeit with an understanding of the need for security due to his global fame.
The accident occurred just 10 days after Joshua's victory over Jake Paul in Miami and during a one-week holiday visiting family in Nigeria. He had been due to resume training for a potential March fight in Saudi Arabia against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, ahead of a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury later in 2026.
Sources close to Joshua confirm he will remain in hospital over New Year's Eve and for several more days. While his physical injuries are being treated, the psychological trauma of the ordeal that killed his two friends in the same vehicle will undoubtedly be a significant factor in his recovery and any timeline for a return to the ring.
