Anthony Joshua Escapes Deadly Car Accident in Nigeria: Two Dead, Boxing Star Miraculously Survives

Ogun, Nigeria – In a shocking incident on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, former heavyweight boxing world champion Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death when the Lexus SUV he was traveling in lost control due to a blown tire and collided violently with a parked vehicle. While Joshua sustained only minor injuries and was rushed for medical care, two other passengers in the car tragically lost their lives at the scene.

The accident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway, near the town of Makun in Ogun State – a section of road notorious for heavy traffic and frequent accidents.

Accident Details: Tire Blowout Causes Loss of Control

According to local authorities and initial investigations, the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and four others suffered a sudden front tire blowout, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered off the lane and crashed into a parked truck, resulting in severe damage to the SUV.

Eyewitnesses reported that Joshua was seated in the back seat, on the left side, which may have contributed to his miraculous survival. The car’s right side bore the brunt of the collision, but Joshua’s position likely helped reduce the impact.

Police reports indicate that excessive speed combined with the tire failure made the crash unavoidable. The vehicle was significantly deformed, underscoring the severity of the impact.

Tragic Loss: Two Passengers Dead

Among the passengers, two lost their lives instantly. Their identities have been confirmed as:

• Latif “Latz” Ayodele, Joshua’s personal coach and assistant trainer;

• Sina Ghami, strength and conditioning coach, long-time member of Joshua’s training team.

Both were not only key members of Joshua’s professional team but also close personal friends, making the loss especially devastating. Their bodies were taken to a morgue in Sagamu for autopsy and further investigation.

Anthony Joshua: Near-Death Experience but Survives

Fortunately, Joshua suffered only minor injuries. He did not require emergency surgery at the scene and was transported to Duchess International Hospital in Lagos for further examination. Medical personnel confirmed that his injuries were non-life-threatening, and he was in stable condition.

Media images from the scene showed Joshua being assisted out of the mangled SUV, his face showing signs of pain but fully conscious. Videos depicted him with scratches and bruises, but alive and responsive – a striking contrast to the tragedy surrounding him. Joshua is under close medical supervision and is expected to recover fully.

Global Boxing Community Reacts

The news sent shockwaves across the boxing world.

• Champions such as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and relief that Joshua survived.

• Jake Paul, who Joshua had recently knocked out in a high-profile fight, posted a message emphasizing the fragility of life, saying, “Life is bigger than boxing. My prayers go out to those who lost their lives and anyone affected by this tragedy.”

• Fans worldwide expressed grief and solidarity, also raising awareness of road safety and the importance of safe transportation for athletes.

Nigerian officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, extended condolences and assured that both Joshua and the victims’ families were receiving proper care.

Context: Nigeria’s Road Safety Challenges

Joshua’s accident highlights Nigeria’s ongoing road safety issues, where road traffic fatalities remain among the highest in Africa. Common contributing factors include:

• High speeds on major highways;

• Poor vehicle maintenance and tire failures;

• Improperly parked trucks and vehicles;

• Limited emergency response infrastructure.

Recent statistics indicate that Nigeria recorded over 5,400 road traffic deaths in the past year alone, underscoring the need for improved traffic safety measures.

Implications for Joshua’s Career

At 36, Anthony Joshua is one of boxing’s most accomplished heavyweights, having held world titles multiple times and won an Olympic gold medal. Just two weeks prior, he achieved a major victory by knocking out Jake Paul, earning over $90 million before taxes – one of the largest paydays in boxing history.

The timing of this accident, so soon after a career-defining win, raises questions about his physical and mental recovery. While he escaped death, the trauma of losing two close colleagues may have lasting effects both personally and professionally.

Conclusion

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility, even for the strongest and most celebrated athletes. In just a matter of seconds, Anthony Joshua survived a potentially fatal accident, while two of his closest friends and team members perished. The boxing community and the world now watch with concern and support, hoping for Joshua’s full recovery while mourning the lives lost in this devastating crash.

Joshua’s miraculous survival, coupled with the tragedy of losing two close companions, emphasizes the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of safety, caution, and solidarity in the face of unforeseen events.