Former Boxing World Champion Anthony Joshua Injured in Fatal Car Crash

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - British former two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends, his promoter Matchroom Boxing said Monday. 

Authorities of Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed there were five men, including Joshua, involved in the unfortunate accident. While Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries when the vehicle collided with another car, other two passengers have reportedly passed away. 

The FRSC also announced Joshua’s car accident subsequently involved two bystanders who remained unhurt, as per latest report. 

Following the loss of his team members, Joshua’s promoter issued a statement, which reads, "With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away.”

The promoter and The 258 BXG Group also took to X, confirming Joshua “was taken to a hospital and is in a stable condition,” after his photos being extricated from a wrecked vehicle were circulating online. 

On Monday morning, December 29, the British champion was riding in a car as a passenger in the back of the vehicle when the crash with a stationary truck occurred. “The accident happened as a result of a burst tire on AJ’s vehicle, which caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle to swerve into the stationary truck parked along the road,” Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo explained to ESPN. 

Hours after the tragic accident, Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, gave updates concerning Joshua, the son of British-Nigeria parents. “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates,” the president wrote on his official X’s account. “I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care. I also spoke with this mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.” 

Read: Liverpool Devastated by the Tragic Death of Forward Diogo Jota

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