The family of British boxing star Anthony Joshua endured a desperate search to locate him after he was involved in a serious car accident in Nigeria, his uncle has revealed.
Family's Desperate Search for Information
Adedamola Joshua, the boxer's uncle, has spoken of the "rude shock" that struck the family following the incident on Monday. The accident, caused by a tyre blowout, resulted in the tragic deaths of two of Joshua's close friends and team members.
Joshua's personal trainer, Latif "Latz" Ayodele, and his sport and exercise rehabilitation coach, Sina Ghami, both lost their lives. The former world heavyweight champion was confirmed to be in a stable condition in a hospital in Lagos.
"We did not know on time that he was involved in an accident," Adedamola Joshua told journalists in Ijokun. He explained that the news was particularly distressing as Joshua frequently visits his family in Sagamu, sometimes three or four times a year.
Community in Shock After Tragic News
The uncle described how the sad news jolted the entire Sagamu community, with locals remaining in a state of shock. The family has been inundated with calls from well-wishers seeking updates on the boxer's condition.
He highlighted the added complication of Joshua's global fame, which made locating him difficult. "We have been rallying round to see if it is possible to get to see our son but that has been impossible because of his status," he said. "We don't know the hospital he was taken to and we can understand that such is being done to protect him being a world figure."
Family Appeals for Access
While in touch with Joshua's parents, who are also in Nigeria, and receiving assurances of his stable condition, the extended family expressed a heartfelt desire to see him. Adedamola Joshua made a gentle appeal to the authorities overseeing his nephew's security and care.
"We are also thinking that it will be fine if they allow even if it is just three of the family members to see him," he stated. "We are all eager to see him but we will still respect the wish of the authority to keep him safe for now."
The accident has cast a shadow over what is typically a festive period for the family. "We felt so bad because this is the end of the year period which is usually used to rejoice and bond with one another," Adedamola Joshua lamented. "It is really quite unfortunate."
