From champion to heartbreak: Anthony Joshua's devastating incident on Nigerian roads
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 29, 2025, 20:47 IST
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua involved in a car accident in Nigeria
Image credit : AP
In a tragic turn of events, Nigerian-British boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car accident while visiting Nigeria. Sadly, two of his companions lost their lives in the incident, which occurred on the stretch of road linking Ogun state to Lagos. Joshua sustained injuries and was promptly hospitalized.
<p>Anthony Joshua stands on stage during a face-off against Jake Paul at a news conference promoting their upcoming heavyweight boxing match, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)</p>
Nigerian-British boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a car accident in Nigeria on Monday that resulted in the deaths of two other passengers. The Lagos state commissioner for information confirmed the incident and stated that ambulances were dispatched to the scene. Local reports indicate Joshua has been hospitalized for his injuries, the cause of the crash is currently unknown.
Photos circulating on social media depict the former world heavyweight champion being removed from a damaged vehicle, appearing to be in pain. The accident occurred on a major road connecting Ogun state to Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub.
"Anthony Joshua is in an undisclosed hospital being treated for his injuries," the police chief of the local station in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred told.
He added that he has no further information on the injuries. Nigeria is the country of origin for Joshua's parents and he attended boarding school there briefly at the age of 11.
This incident follows Joshua's recent victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami nine days prior. That fight was part of his preparation to regain sharpness in the ring for a potential attempt to reclaim the world heavyweight title he lost to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021.
Joshua has also been in discussions for a potential fight against fellow Briton Tyson Fury in 2026. The Lagos state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed the accident in a post on X.
Photos circulating on social media depict the former world heavyweight champion being removed from a damaged vehicle, appearing to be in pain. The accident occurred on a major road connecting Ogun state to Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub.
"Anthony Joshua is in an undisclosed hospital being treated for his injuries," the police chief of the local station in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred told.
He added that he has no further information on the injuries. Nigeria is the country of origin for Joshua's parents and he attended boarding school there briefly at the age of 11.
This incident follows Joshua's recent victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami nine days prior. That fight was part of his preparation to regain sharpness in the ring for a potential attempt to reclaim the world heavyweight title he lost to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021.
Joshua has also been in discussions for a potential fight against fellow Briton Tyson Fury in 2026. The Lagos state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed the accident in a post on X.