British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries in a car crash on Nigeria’s Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that killed two people on Monday.
The accident occurred around 11 a.m. local time near Makun in Ogun State when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck. Joshua, seated in the back, was rescued alert but in visible pain and taken to a hospital for treatment. Two other occupants died at the scene, while two more escaped unhurt.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed five adult males were involved. Preliminary reports point to excessive speed and a wrongful overtaking maneuver as likely causes. Police continue investigating the exact circumstances.
Joshua, of Nigerian heritage through his parents, had been visiting family in the country over the holidays. He attended boarding school in nearby Ikenne as a child before moving to Britain. The trip followed his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, marking his return after a 15-month layoff.
Promoter Eddie Hearn stated the team is gathering details but noted Joshua appears stable based on available images. No official comment has come directly from Joshua yet.
Road safety remains a major concern in Nigeria, where high-speed highways like the Lagos-Ibadan route see frequent deadly incidents involving stationary vehicles and overtaking errors. Authorities often cite speeding as a primary factor in such crashes.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of risks on busy roads, even for high-profile figures. Joshua’s quick recovery will be key as talks continue for potential big fights in 2026, including a long-awaited matchup with Tyson Fury.
Fans and the boxing community express relief at his minor injuries while mourning the lives lost.