Anthony Joshua has flown back to the UK after being involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends. The former two-time world heavyweight champion was a passenger in the vehicle when it collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Monday.
Joshua sustained minor injuries and was discharged from a Lagos hospital on Wednesday afternoon. He initially remained in Nigeria to recuperate before returning to the UK. The two deceased have been identified as his personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami.
The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The case has been adjourned until 20 January.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps suggested speeding and an overtaking attempt were to blame, but Ogun state’s police commissioner later told ESPN that a burst tyre on Joshua’s vehicle caused the driver to lose control and swerve into the stationary truck. Video footage from the aftermath shows Joshua sitting in his mangled SUV, appearing dazed and in pain.
Matchroom, which promotes Joshua, and his management company 258 MGT issued a joint statement expressing profound sadness and confirming the deaths. They said Joshua was taken to hospital for checks and treatment and is in a stable condition. The crash occurred just 10 days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in a fight in Miami.
