Anthony Joshua Involved in Fatal Car Crash in Nigeria
On December 29, 2025, at approximately 08:19 AM ET, a devastating car crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria, involving British professional boxer Anthony Joshua. According to local police, the accident resulted in two fatalities, while Joshua reportedly suffered only minor injuries.
Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, was traveling in the back of a vehicle near his ancestral hometown of Sagamu when the incident occurred. The vehicle was involved in a collision, which was caused by a burst tire, leading the driver to lose control and swerve into a stationary truck parked along the road, as confirmed by Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo.
Investigation and Response
The police commissioner stated, “The accident happened as a result of a burst tire on AJ’s vehicle, which caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle to swerve into the stationary truck parked along the road.” Commissioner Ogunlowo also mentioned that Joshua has been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention and that the command will issue a press release soon.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed concern and stated that he is trying to contact Anthony, adding, “We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate on how he is but thankfully he appears OK from what I have seen in the images.” Hearn also mentioned that they are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.
Background and Context
Joshua was holidaying in Africa following his sixth-round knockout victory over YouTube-turned-boxing superstar Jake Paul in Miami less than a fortnight ago. The win marked his 29th victory from 33 professional fights, moving him closer to a long-awaited showdown with British rival Tyson Fury, who is currently retired, next year.
Unverified footage online appeared to show Joshua topless and looking dazed in the passenger seat of a vehicle among broken glass. A representative for Joshua told ESPN that early indications are he is ok, but they are waiting on further official news.
The incident has sparked concern among fans and the boxing community, with many taking to social media to express their support for Joshua and the families of the victims. As more information becomes available, it is expected that the boxing world will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on Joshua’s condition and the investigation into the accident.
Information from Colin Udoh and PA contributed to this report, providing valuable insights and context to the incident. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for caution when traveling, especially in unfamiliar territories.
