(LibertySociety.com) – Boxing champion Anthony Joshua escaped with minor injuries after a horrific car crash in Nigeria claimed two lives, raising alarms about dangers on the nation’s deadly highways.
Story Snapshot
- Anthony Joshua, fresh off a knockout win over Jake Paul, involved in fatal crash on Lagos-Ibadan expressway near his ancestral hometown Sagamu.
- Two adult males killed instantly when Joshua’s Lexus Jeep collided with a stationary truck during an overtaking maneuver.
- Joshua hospitalized with minor injuries, described as “badly shaken” but expected to recover.
- Investigation points to burst tire or speeding as causes on Nigeria’s notoriously accident-prone road.
Crash Details Emerge
Anthony Joshua rode in the rear seat of a black Lexus Jeep with registration KRD 850 HN on December 29, 2025, around 11am local time. The vehicle attempted to overtake another during travel on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway near Sagamu, Ogun State. It swerved out of control and slammed into a stationary red Sinotruck. Two adult males died at the scene. Joshua sustained minor injuries along with one other occupant. Two additional passengers escaped unhurt. Five adult males occupied the Jeep total.
Official Response and Investigation
Ogun State Police Command Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo reported a burst tire caused the driver to lose control and veer into the truck. Federal Road Safety Corps detailed the vehicles and confirmed casualties, noting speeding during overtaking as a preliminary factor. Authorities responded immediately. Joshua received hospital treatment at an undisclosed location. Unverified footage captured him dazed inside the wreckage before rescue. Police and FRSC issued statements by mid-afternoon UTC.
Promoter Eddie Hearn stated Joshua appeared OK while gathering more information. Joshua’s UK team launched its own probe. Rival Jake Paul posted support, emphasizing life over boxing. A friend described Joshua as badly shaken but stable. No names released for the deceased or other injured parties yet.
Joshua’s Recent Triumph and Context
Joshua, 36, British-Nigerian former two-time heavyweight champion, holidayed near his ancestral hometown Sagamu. He arrived 10-14 days after a sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, 2025. That Netflix-streamed bout drew 33 million viewers and broke Paul’s jaw in two places, ending Joshua’s 15-month layoff. The crash followed on a highway known for frequent accidents from speeding, poor overtaking, and vehicle failures like tire bursts.
Potential Impacts on Boxing and Beyond
Joshua’s injuries could delay a planned February 2026 fight or a later matchup with Tyson Fury. Media scrutiny focuses on his recovery timeline. The heavyweight division faces uncertainty without one of its stars. Families of the two deceased grieve amid public mourning. Ogun State residents highlight ongoing expressway dangers. Nigeria debates road safety improvements targeting common crash causes. Boxing underscores athlete vulnerability outside the ring. Investigation continues to resolve cause discrepancies.
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