Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua survived a serious car crash Monday in southwestern Nigeria that killed two passengers and left him with minor injuries, local police said.
The crash occurred around 11 a.m. local time on Monday on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, near Sagamu. Joshua has frequently described Sagamu as his ancestral hometown. Joshua, 36, was traveling in the back seat of a Lexus SUV. The vehicle became involved in a collision under circumstances authorities said remain under investigation.
Police confirmed Joshua’s minor injuries and two fatalities in the crash.
Joshua was in the rear seat of the Lexus SUV, sustained minor injuries, and is receiving care. Two other passengers died at the scene.
Later that day, police told ESPN that Joshua’s vehicle struck a stationary truck parked along the roadway. Police did not immediately clarify whether the two victims were occupants of Joshua’s SUV or the truck.
Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo said initial findings suggest a mechanical failure caused the crash.
“The accident happened as a result of a burst tire on AJ’s vehicle. That caused the driver to lose control, and the vehicle swerved into the stationary truck parked along the road,” Ogunlowo told ESPN. “For now, I’m aware of two fatalities. Joshua himself has been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.”
Meanwhile, photos on social media showed Joshua being helped from the wreckage. He appeared visibly in pain as emergency responders worked at the scene. Despite the dramatic images, officials and representatives said his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
“Early signs are he is OK, but we await further news,” a Joshua representative told ESPN.
The incident came nine days after Joshua’s sixth-round knockout win over Jake Paul in Miami, streamed by Netflix and among the year’s most-watched boxing events. The win marked Joshua’s 29th victory in 33 fights.
The win restored Joshua’s momentum and fueled talk of a potential 2026 fight with British rival Tyson Fury, considered a crucial next step in his career.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he learned of the crash while on vacation and urged patience as more information becomes available.
Hearn told Daily Mail Sport, “I awoke to this news. We are trying to contact Anthony, and in the meantime, we don’t want to speculate on his condition. Thankfully, he seems OK from the images I have seen.”
Hearn said Joshua’s team awaits confirmation from authorities and will update soon.
Joshua has strong ties to Nigeria. Though he was raised in England, both his parents are Nigerian, and he often speaks of his wish to spend more time there. His post-fight trip was considered a personal matter.
Police will provide further updates as the investigation continues, including the identification of the victims and new findings.
As Joshua shifts focus from boxing to recovery, tributes and support have poured in from fans and fighters worldwide after news of the deadly crash.
