(DailyChive.com) – Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua escapes with minor injuries after a deadly car crash in Nigeria that claimed two lives, raising alarms about dangerous roads in his ancestral homeland.
Story Snapshot
- Anthony Joshua involved in fatal crash on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, Ogun State, on December 29, 2025, shortly after his knockout win over Jake Paul.
- Black Lexus SUV with five men collided with stationary truck; two killed, Joshua hospitalized with minor injuries, two others unharmed.
- Conflicting reports on cause: police cite burst tire, FRSC points to speeding during overtaking.
- Promoter Eddie Hearn confirms Joshua appears OK from images; investigation ongoing.
Crash Details and Timeline
On December 29, 2025, around 11:00 AM local time, a black Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua crashed into a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. The vehicle held five adult males. The collision resulted in two immediate fatalities and minor injuries to Joshua. Two other occupants escaped unharmed. Joshua received treatment at an undisclosed hospital. Unverified social media footage showed him dazed near the wreckage.
Official Statements from Authorities
Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo stated a burst tire caused the driver to lose control and swerve into the truck. The police confirmed Joshua’s hospitalization and promised a full press release. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) investigators reported five males involved, with two deaths, and highlighted possible speeding during an overtaking maneuver as a factor. No arrests occurred immediately. The investigation continues to clarify the exact sequence.
Joshua’s Background and Recent Victory
British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion born to Nigerian parents, visited Sagamu, his ancestral hometown, for a holiday. The trip followed his sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul in Miami less than two weeks earlier. Nigeria’s Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remains notorious for accidents due to poor conditions, overloading, speeding, and tire failures. Annual road deaths exceed 5,000, per prior WHO data, underscoring persistent safety challenges.
Stakeholder Reactions and Impacts
Matchroom Boxing Chairman Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, said he was trying to contact Joshua and that he “appears OK” based on images. Joshua’s team reported early indications of stability. Families of the two unidentified deceased passengers grieve amid the tragedy. Short-term, Joshua faces training delays; long-term risks include career hiatus if injuries persist. The incident spotlights expressway dangers, pressuring Ogun State for infrastructure improvements. Boxing faces temporary uncertainty over Joshua’s next fights.
Conflicting Reports and Ongoing Probe
Police attribute the crash to mechanical failure from a burst tire, while FRSC emphasizes human error via speeding and overtaking. This variance reflects early investigative stages. No prior crashes link directly to Joshua, though Nigerian highways frequently see celebrity incidents and truck collisions. Sagamu locals depend on the route, amplifying calls for reforms. Monitor for the police press release amid limited updates.
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