Boxing fans were left shaken on Monday, December 29, 2025, after world-renowned heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident in Ogun State, Nigeria. The crash, which occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, claimed the lives of two people and left the boxer with minor injuries as he was rushed to hospital. 
The 36-year-old, a British-Nigerian former world heavyweight champion, was travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV when it collided with a stationary truck near Makun, just before the Sagamu interchange. Local authorities say the vehicle was likely moving at excessive speed and lost control while attempting to overtake, though investigations are ongoing. Eyewitnesses and officials confirmed that two people died on the spot identified by some reports as close members of Joshua’s team, including his strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer while Joshua and at least one other occupant were injured and taken to a hospital for treatment.
Despite the frightening scene, Joshua was conscious and stable after the crash. Officials say he sustained minor injuries and was receiving medical care at a Lagos hospital. Several local and international news outlets have confirmed his condition as stable, with authorities planning further updates. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has also issued a statement suggesting that speeding and wrongful overtaking are among the main factors in the accident, a reminder of how dangerous Nigeria’s major highways can be, especially during busy travel periods.
While Anthony Joshua’s survival is a relief to many, the tragedy is underscored by the loss of two lives. Some reports suggest the deceased were close associates and part of his boxing support team, making the crash not just a headline news event but a personal loss for the athletes and his camp.
This incident came just days after Joshua returned from Miami, where he scored a high-profile victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19. Fans around the world had celebrated that win but Monday’s accident served as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change off the ring.
He was also being lined up for a potential bout with rival Tyson Fury in 2026, a matchup that boxing fans have been eagerly anticipating before the crash occurred. The news sparked an outpouring of concern online, with fans, fellow athletes, and public figures sending well-wishes for Joshua’s recovery and condolences for the families of the deceased. Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended sympathies and conveyed support to Joshua and his loved ones.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. Authorities from the Ogun State Police Command and FRSC have pledged transparency as they piece together how events unfolded. Meanwhile, Joshua remains under medical observation, with updates expected as more information becomes available. 
This tragic incident serves as a sober reminder that even global sports icons are not immune to life’s unpredictability. While fans await further updates on Joshua’s recovery, the wider conversation about road safety and travel hazards on major highways has once again come to the forefront.
