Boxing Champion Anthony Joshua Injured in Fatal Nigerian Car Crash
LAGOS, Nigeria — British boxing star Anthony Joshua was injured in a fatal car crash on Monday while traveling in Nigeria, officials confirmed. The accident, which occurred along the busy Ogun–Lagos Expressway, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left Joshua with minor injuries, according to Nigerian authorities.
Joshua, a three-time heavyweight champion known for holding the WBA Super Heavyweight, IBF, and WBO titles, was seated in the back of a Lexus when a tire burst caused the driver to lose control. The vehicle collided with an idle truck parked alongside the road, killing two passengers inside the car.
Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunwalo told ESPN that the tire failure was the primary cause of the crash. An eyewitness recounted to Nigeria’s The Punch that the Lexus contained four occupants: Joshua, who sat behind the driver; a passenger beside him; and another person in the front seat. Joshua’s security detail was reportedly traveling in a separate vehicle behind them.
Despite the severity of the crash, officials stated Joshua was “fine” and suffered only minor injuries. The boxing champion, who recently knocked out Jake Paul in a high-profile bout earlier this month, has not yet announced when he will return to the ring.
Born to British Nigerian parents, Joshua spent part of his youth attending a boarding school in Nigeria before moving back to Britain following his parents’ divorce. His connection to Nigeria remains strong, and he was in the country for personal and professional reasons when the crash occurred.
Joshua’s career has been marked by significant achievements in the heavyweight division, including his 29 professional wins and multiple world titles. He lost his belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 but remains a prominent figure in boxing. The recent fight against Jake Paul, held on December 19, 2025, was a spectacle that drew international attention.
The Ogun–Lagos Expressway, known for heavy traffic and occasional accidents, has been the focus of safety campaigns by Nigerian authorities. The Nigerian Police Force continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As Joshua recovers, fans and officials alike are hoping for his swift return to health. The incident underscores the risks of road travel in Nigeria and the importance of vehicle maintenance and road safety.
For more information on road safety initiatives in Nigeria, visit the Nigerian Police Force website. To follow updates on Anthony Joshua’s career and recovery, the ESPN Boxing section provides ongoing coverage. Additional details on global road safety standards can be found at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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