Anthony Joshua Involved in Nigeria Car Crash That Left Two People Dead

Former two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car accident on December 29, 2025, that resulted in the deaths of two people, according to multiple reports from local and international media. The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. local time on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, a section often regarded as one of Nigeria's most hazardous roads due to high traffic and frequent collisions. Joshua, 36, who has Nigerian heritage through his parents and family roots in nearby Sagamu, was reportedly a rear passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck, possibly following a burst tire that caused the driver to lose control.

Eyewitness accounts, including from Adeniyi Orojo, who assisted at the scene, describe the vehicle as part of a two-car convoy with a Mitsubishi Pajero SUV trailing behind for security. Four occupants were in the Lexus: Joshua seated behind the driver with another passenger beside him, and a front-seat passenger next to the driver. The two fatalities were confirmed at the scene, while Joshua and others sustained injuries and were rushed to an undisclosed hospital. Nigerian authorities, including the Ogun State Police Command, have verified that Joshua suffered only minor injuries and is in stable condition, describing him as "fine" after initial treatment. Unverified videos circulating on social media show the boxer appearing dazed and in pain, topless amid shattered glass in the wrecked vehicle, before being assisted into an emergency vehicle.

The crash comes just days after Joshua's recent high-profile victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, 2025, where he secured a sixth-round knockout, and amid his holiday visit to Nigeria. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed awareness of the incident and noted efforts to contact Joshua, adding that initial images suggest he is okay while awaiting further details. Police have launched an investigation into the cause, with no immediate official statement from Joshua himself as he recovers. The tragedy has drawn widespread concern from the boxing community and fans, highlighting road safety issues on Nigeria's major highways.

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This unfortunate event underscores the risks associated with travel on Nigeria's infrastructure-heavy routes, even for high-profile visitors like Joshua, who maintains strong ties to the country. As updates emerge from authorities and his team, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured and condolences for the families of the deceased. Joshua's next scheduled bout is anticipated in Riyadh in February 2026, with potential future matchups against rivals like Tyson Fury still in discussion.

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