British former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has survived a fatal road accident in Nigeria’s Ogun State that claimed the lives of two people, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major highway linking Ogun State to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub. Joshua, 36, was travelling in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle was involved in the crash.
Police say the boxer, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained only minor injuries and is currently receiving medical attention. Ogun State Police spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
“The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua was involved in an accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated,” Babaseyi said.
Preliminary findings by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggest that the vehicle may have been travelling above the legally prescribed speed limit before losing control during an overtaking manoeuvre. The SUV reportedly collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadside.
FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide said early investigations point to excessive speed as a key factor in the crash.
Eyewitnesses told local media that there were four occupants in the Lexus at the time of the accident, including Joshua and members of his entourage. Two passengers — one seated beside the driver and another seated next to Joshua — reportedly died instantly from injuries sustained in the collision.
Images circulating on social media appear to show the boxer being assisted from the wreckage, visibly injured.
Joshua, who was born to British-Nigerian parents, spent part of his childhood in Nigeria and attended boarding school in Ikenne, about 85 kilometres from the crash site, before relocating to the United Kingdom at the age of 12.
The former world champion has been in Nigeria following his recent bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19, which he won by sixth-round knockout. The fight marked Joshua’s return to the ring after a 15-month absence.
Joshua is expected to face long-time rival Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated bout scheduled for 2026.
