British former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a serious car accident in Nigeria on Monday, an incident that sadly claimed the lives of two other people.
The crash happened around 11 a.m. local time along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, near the Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State. According to a statement from the Ogun State Police Command, the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and four other adult males collided with a stationary truck.
Joshua, 36, was seated in the rear of the vehicle. He sustained minor injuries and was helped from the wreckage by onlookers. Unverified social media footage from the scene showed the conscious boxer wincing in pain as he was assisted. Police confirmed he has been taken to a hospital for medical attention.
Tragically, two other passengers in the SUV were pronounced dead at the scene.
The two people who died in the Anthony Joshua crash were his coach and close friend of his, Latz and Sina
Sina was his strength and conditioning coach. Latz was AJ’s personal trainer
Their identities have not yet been released as authorities work to notify their families. The bodies have been taken to a hospital morgue in Sagamu.
“The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” the police statement said, adding that a “thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced.”
Anthony Joshua, whose full name is Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, is a major figure in international boxing. He holds a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses and is a two-time former unified heavyweight champion. He was born in Britain to Nigerian parents and has often visited the country, expressing strong pride in his heritage.
While the exact reason for his current visit has not been officially confirmed, it occurred during the holiday season, a time when many people in the Nigerian diaspora return home. Joshua has previously spoken about his family ties, business interests, and desire to promote boxing in Nigeria.
The police investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with further updates promised. The boxing world and fans globally are wishing Joshua a swift recovery as details continue to emerge.