Anthony Joshua Survives Fatal Nigeria Car Crash After Recent Win

British-Nigerian boxing superstar Anthony Joshua is recovering from minor injuries after a devastating car crash in Ogun State, Nigeria, on Monday morning that tragically claimed the lives of two passengers. The incident, which occurred just before noon on December 29, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the sports world and prompted an outpouring of concern from fans, fellow athletes, and officials alike.

Joshua, 36, was traveling in the back seat of a Lexus SUV along the bustling Lagos-Ibadan expressway, near Makun and just before the Sagamu Interchange, when disaster struck. According to statements from the Ogun State Police Command and eyewitness reports, the vehicle suffered a burst tire while attempting an overtaking maneuver at high speed. The driver lost control, and the SUV collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside—a scenario all too common on Nigeria’s high-speed corridors.

Eyewitness Adeniyi Orojo, who spoke to Punch Online, recounted the harrowing moments following the crash: “It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.”

The impact was immediate and fatal for two passengers: the individual seated beside the driver and the person next to Joshua in the rear. “The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died on the spot,” Orojo confirmed. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials, who arrived swiftly at the scene, corroborated these details and emphasized that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were the primary causes of the tragedy. The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu, while Joshua and another injured occupant were hospitalized for treatment at an undisclosed facility.

Images circulating on social media and published by Punch Newspapers show a shirtless Joshua amid shattered glass, appearing alert but clearly shaken and in pain as he was extricated from the wrecked vehicle. Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo told ESPN, “The accident happened as a result of a burst tire on AJ’s vehicle, which caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle to swerve into the stationary truck parked along the road. For now, I’m aware of two fatalities and Joshua himself has been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.”

The crash has prompted an official investigation by both local police and the FRSC. The FRSC’s spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, warned, “The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.” Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Joshua a speedy recovery, urging motorists to exercise patience and prioritize safety, especially during the busy festive travel season.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed cautious optimism about the boxer’s condition, telling the Daily Mail, “We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate on how he is but thankfully he appears OK from what I have seen in the images. We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”

The incident comes less than two weeks after Joshua’s triumphant return to the ring, where he faced YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, 2025. In a highly publicized bout, Joshua delivered a sixth-round knockout, breaking Paul’s jaw and securing his first victory since 2024. Both fighters reportedly earned $92 million each for the spectacle, which saw Joshua’s professional record improve to 29 wins (26 by knockout) and 4 losses. Reflecting on the fight in a Netflix interview, Joshua said, “Jake Paul did really well and he deserves his props. It takes a real man to do that and he deserves respect for trying and trying and trying. But he came up against a real fighter tonight.”

Jake Paul, learning of the accident, posted a heartfelt message on X: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.” The sentiment was echoed by fans and sports figures worldwide, many of whom took to social media to send their support and condolences.

Joshua is more than just a boxing icon; he is a symbol of resilience and pride for both Britain and Nigeria. Born to British-Nigerian parents, he spent part of his childhood at a boarding school in Ikenne, just a short distance from the crash site, before moving to the United Kingdom at age 12. His ties to Nigeria remain strong, and he frequently visits his ancestral homeland, often engaging with local communities and inspiring young athletes.

Joshua’s career achievements are nothing short of remarkable. He is a former unified heavyweight champion, having first claimed the honor in March 2018 and then regaining it in December 2019 before relinquishing the titles in September 2021. His gold medal win at the 2012 London Olympics cemented his status as one of boxing’s brightest talents, and his recent victory over Paul has reignited talk of a long-anticipated showdown with British rival Tyson Fury, potentially set for 2026.

As the investigation into Monday’s crash continues, Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi assured the public that further updates would be provided as more facts come to light. “Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced.”

For now, Anthony Joshua is recuperating and under medical observation, with the boxing world holding its breath for further news. The loss of life is a sobering reminder of the dangers that lurk even outside the ring, and the tragedy has cast a pall over what had been a period of personal and professional resurgence for the champion. As fans and officials await more information, the hope remains that Joshua will make a full recovery and, true to his reputation, rise once more—both as an athlete and as an inspiration across continents.