British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised following a serious road traffic collision in Nigeria that left two people dead.
The 35-year-old former two-time world champion was travelling in a Lexus SUV on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Makun, Ogun State, when the vehicle collided with a stationary lorry on Monday morning.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps said preliminary investigations suggested the vehicle was exceeding the speed limit and lost control whilst attempting an overtaking manoeuvre around 11:00 local time.
Two foreign nationals were killed in the crash and pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to a Lagos hospital, where medical staff confirmed he is in a stable condition and does not require emergency treatment.
Video footage circulating on social media shows the boxer appearing dazed and in visible discomfort in the immediate aftermath of the collision.
Joshua had been visiting Nigeria on holiday following his stunning sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December. The win marked a significant career resurgence for the Watford-born fighter, who has Nigerian heritage through his parents.
His family roots trace to Sagamu in Ogun State, near the location of Monday’s crash. Joshua has previously spoken about his deep connection to Nigeria and has visited the country on several occasions throughout his career.
Paul, who suffered his first professional defeat at Joshua’s hands just 10 days ago, responded to news of the accident on social media. “Life is much more important than boxing,” he wrote. “I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has not yet released an official statement, though sources close to the fighter’s camp confirmed he is receiving medical care and being monitored by doctors.
The Lagos-Ibadan expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest roads and has long been regarded as dangerous, with frequent accidents attributed to speeding, poor road conditions, and heavy goods vehicles.
Nigerian authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The Federal Road Safety Corps said it would be examining all factors, including vehicle speed, road conditions, and driver behaviour.
Joshua’s boxing future remains uncertain as he recovers from the incident. The fighter had been expected to return to the ring in 2025 to pursue further high-profile bouts following his impressive performance against Paul.
The families of the two deceased victims have not yet been identified publicly.
