Tributes have been pouring in after two men were killed in a horrific car accident involving the British heavyweight fighter on Monday in Nigeria
Anthony Joshua’s injuries are feared to be worse than first thought after the British heavyweight star was involved in a horrific car crash in Nigeria on Monday.
The tragic incident took place along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, just outside Lagos, on Monday morning when a black Lexus Jeep collided with a stationary red commercial Sinotruck. Joshua was taken to hospital for treatment with minor injuries, but the crash took the lives of the Brit’s close friends, Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
The Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria soon after took to X to share its preliminary findings. In a statement, the FRSC wrote: “The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep (sic) and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number. A total of five adult males were involved in the crash. Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.
“The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation.
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“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road.”
Despite claims that Joshua initially sustained ‘minor’ injuries from the crash, there are fears his condition may be worse than first thought. As reported by the Daily Mailsources close to the former two-time unified heavyweight world champion fear the damage could be more severe. The possibility of rib and knee injury were brought up by a person within the fighter’s closely-knit inner circle.
A video on social media showed Ayodele playing table tennis with Joshua just hours before losing his life in the crash. Sharing a short snap of their relaxed match on Instagram, Joshua wrote: “@healthy_mindset dishing out table tennis smoke,” while images on Latz’s social media showed the two posing shirtless beside a swimming pool just five days ago with a message: “Looking like we just swam back from Miami,” hinting at Joshua’s sixth round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul earlier this month in Miami.
Following the tragedy, many were quick to send their condolences – with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn leading the tributes. “With the heaviest of hearts,” he shared in a post on Instagram. “Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.” Matchroom Boxing also shared a statement confirming the passing of personal trainer Latz and strength and conditioning coach Ghami.
A spokesperson wrote on Instagram: “Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today. With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away. Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment.
“He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time. No further comment will be made at this time.”
