Former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road traffic collision in Nigeria on Monday, 30 December 2025, which resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals.
Police Investigation Points to Speed and Tyre Failure
Authorities in Nigeria have put forward a new preliminary theory regarding the cause of the incident. Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi from Nigeria's Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps stated that the black Lexus Jeep carrying Joshua was travelling from Lagos to Sagamu on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when it "experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed" before losing control and colliding with a stationary Sinotruck.
This updates earlier indications from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which had suggested the vehicle was speeding and crashed during an overtaking manoeuvre.
Details of the Crash and Aftermath
The 36-year-old British-Nigerian boxer, who was a passenger in the backseat of the Lexus, sustained what have been described as minor injuries. He was admitted to hospital for checks, treatment, and monitoring, where he remains in a stable condition.
The two fatalities have been identified as Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both reported to be close friends of Joshua. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, footage circulated online showing a shirtless and dazed-looking Joshua sitting in the damaged vehicle amidst shattered glass.
National Condolences and Tributes
Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, personally contacted Joshua and his mother, Yeta Odusanya, to offer his sympathies. Tinubu stated that Joshua assured him he was receiving excellent care. The President also expressed his condolences for the loss of Joshua's friends.
In a statement on X, President Tinubu wrote: "AJ, I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident... which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries." He praised Joshua's qualities as a sportsman and a source of national pride.
Joshua's long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, led tributes from the boxing world, posting on Instagram: "With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz." Fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr also shared an emotional tribute, describing the deceased as "genuinely good men."
Local governor Dapo Abiodun visited Joshua in hospital and assured President Tinubu that everything possible would be done to ensure the boxer received the best possible attention.
