Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has escaped with minor injuries following a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two people.
According to Nigerian police, the crash happened on Monday around 11:00am local time in Makun town along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. Joshua, who was travelling in a black Lexus SUV, was among the occupants of the vehicle involved in the accident.
Images that quickly spread online showed Joshua shirtless inside the damaged car, surrounded by shattered glass, moments after the crash.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle was likely overspeeding, lost control while overtaking and rammed into a truck by the roadside.
However, a witness at the scene disputed the claim that the truck was stationary at the time of the crash.
“People rushed to help without knowing who was inside,” said a witness identified as Kunle. “It was only when we got closer that we realised it was Anthony Joshua.”
Police confirmed that two people travelling in Joshua’s car died instantly at the scene. Their identities have not yet been made public, although officials said initial reports suggest they were male foreign nationals.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said the boxer was on a family holiday and learned about the incident after waking up. “We are trying to reach Anthony. From the images, he appears okay, and we don’t want to speculate,” Hearn said.
The damaged vehicle was later towed to a police station in Sagamu as investigations continue into the exact cause of the crash.
Joshua, whose family has roots in southwestern Nigeria, frequently visits the country. The accident comes just weeks after he knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a high-profile bout in Miami.
Reacting to the tragedy, Paul wrote on X: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and everyone affected by this unfortunate accident.”
The boxing star has recently been linked to a potential blockbuster fight with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury.
