British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has been hospitalized after a serious road accident in Nigeria, an incident that tragically left two people dead.
The crash occurred Monday morning in Ogun State, near Lagos, while Joshua was traveling in a Lexus SUV. Nigerian authorities confirmed that the vehicle collided with a stationary truck during an overtaking maneuver on a high-risk stretch of highway.
What Happened
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the vehicle Joshua was in lost control while overtaking at speed and struck a broken-down truck transporting soybeans.
Eyewitnesses say the impact destroyed parts of the truck, including its tires, and left the SUV severely damaged. Video footage circulating online shows Joshua grimacing as bystanders helped remove him from the wreckage.
Joshua reportedly remained inside the vehicle for nearly 10 minutes before assistance arrived.
Casualties and Investigation
Authorities confirmed that two male foreign nationals who were also in the vehicle died at the scene. A total of five men were involved in the crash, with Joshua’s security team traveling in a separate vehicle behind him.
The FRSC cited speeding and improper overtaking as serious traffic violations and stated that a full investigation is underway. Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo later confirmed an official probe into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
While one police account mentioned a possible tire burst, this detail was not included in the FRSC’s official statement.
Joshua’s Condition
Local police initially said Joshua suffered minor injuries and was “fine,” though he was taken to hospital for observation. No further medical details have been released.
Joshua, 36, was seated behind the driver at the time of the crash.
Deep Roots in Nigeria
Though a British national, Joshua has strong family ties to Nigeria, particularly Sagamu in Ogun State. A relative told the BBC that the family was shocked by the incident, noting that Joshua often visits Nigeria around the New Year.
Reaction From the Fight World
The crash comes just 10 days after Joshua’s sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul in Miami, his first win since 2024. The bout reportedly earned Joshua $92 million.
Paul reacted on X, posting: “Life is much more important than boxing.”
A Sobering Moment Beyond the Ring
Known globally for his power and composure inside the ring, Joshua’s accident serves as a stark reminder that danger exists far beyond competition.
Authorities say condolences have been extended to the families of the deceased as the investigation continues.
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