Anthony Joshua: 7 Things to Know as British-Nigerian Boxer Survives Death Crash in Ogun State

Anthony Joshua Survives Fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash: What We Know So Far

British-Nigerian boxing superstar Anthony Joshua has survived a horrific road traffic accident in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two people. The crash occurred on Monday, 29 December 2025, along the notoriously dangerous Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, casting a sombre mood over what had been a celebratory festive period for the former heavyweight champion.

The incident happened just days after Joshua’s emphatic knockout victory over Jake Paul, a win that had reignited excitement around his boxing career. While Joshua escaped with minor injuries and is currently receiving medical care, the fatal crash has sent shockwaves across social media and the global sports community.

Below are six key things to know about the incident, Joshua’s condition, and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

1. What Happened? Details of the Crash

Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident near Makun, Ogun State, two days before New Year’s Eve. According to multiple reports, the Lexus SUV in which Joshua was travelling as a rear passenger collided with a stationary truck while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre.

Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) stated that the vehicle was suspected to be travelling at excessive speed, which may have caused the driver to lose control. Some accounts also suggest that a tyre burst contributed to the crash.

Eyewitnesses reported that Joshua was travelling in a two-vehicle convoy, with his security detail following in a separate Pajero SUV. The crash occurred around 11:00 a.m. local time, leaving the Lexus severely damaged.

2. Two Fatalities Reported in Joshua’s Vehicle

Tragically, two of the four occupants in the Lexus SUV died at the scene.

Reports indicate that the deceased were the front passenger and another rear-seat passenger seated beside Joshua. One of the victims has been widely identified online as “Lats” (also known as Latz)—Joshua’s personal trainer, close friend, and a social media influencer known by the Instagram handle healthy_mindset. Just hours before the crash, Joshua had shared a video of himself playing table tennis with Lats on Instagram.

There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that Strength and Conditioning coach Sina Evolve was among those who died. Both coaches were reportedly picked up from the airport earlier that day, and the group was believed to be en route to Sagamu at the time of the crash.

However, Ogun State Police have officially confirmed only that two adult males lost their lives, stating that investigations are ongoing and identities are yet to be formally released.

Joshua and one other passenger sustained injuries but survived, while occupants of the accompanying vehicle escaped unharmed.

3. Anthony Joshua’s Condition After the Accident

Joshua was rescued alive from the wreckage and reportedly sustained minor injuries. Videos circulating online show the boxer appearing dazed and in visible pain as bystanders helped him out of the damaged vehicle.

He was immediately taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. Ogun State Police confirmed that Joshua was conscious and stable, with early assessments indicating that his injuries were not life-threatening. While the emotional toll remains significant, there is optimism that the former champion will make a full physical recovery.

4. Possible Causes: Speed and Overtaking Under Investigation

Preliminary findings from the FRSC point to speeding and wrongful overtaking as major contributing factors. The Lexus reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle before colliding with the parked truck.

The Ogun State Police Command released a statement confirming that the deceased had been taken to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu, and assured the public that a thorough investigation into the crash has commenced. Authorities are still working to establish the exact sequence of events.

5. Eddie Hearn Reacts to the Incident

Joshua’s long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, addressed the situation shortly after the news broke. Speaking to the Daily Mail while on holiday, Hearn said:

“I am away on a family holiday and awoke to the news of this incident. We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate on how he is, but thankfully he appears OK from what I have seen in the images. We are awaiting more information and will update in due course.”

His statement reflected both relief and caution as the boxing world awaited official medical updates.

6. Joshua’s Strong and Lasting Ties to Nigeria

Anthony Joshua’s connection to Nigeria runs deep. Born to Nigerian parents, Yeta and Robert Joshua, his family hails from the Royal Remo Kingdom in Sagamu, Ogun State. His great-grandfather was a prominent landowner and merchant, and the family remains well respected in the region one reason Joshua is often welcomed as a “prodigal son” whenever he visits.

Unlike many second-generation immigrants, Joshua spent a formative part of his childhood in Nigeria. At age 11, following his parents’ divorce, he moved with his mother to Nigeria and attended The Mayflower School in Ikenne, a prestigious boarding school known for its discipline.

Since 2019, Joshua has made multiple visits to Nigeria, including a Christmas visit in late 2024. On 1 January 2025, he paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, presenting him with an autographed boxing glove. He was also appointed Sports Ambassador for Ogun State by Governor Dapo Abiodun, pledging to support sports development and proposing the construction of an indoor boxing facility in Abeokuta.

A Proud Nigerian Identity

Joshua has never hidden his pride in his heritage. A tattoo on his right shoulder features a map of Africa with Nigeria outlined, symbolising his roots. He frequently walks out to Nigerian music, drapes the Nigerian flag alongside the Union Jack, and has often credited Nigerian food particularly pounded yam, eba, and egusi soup as a source of strength.

Following his iconic victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2017, Joshua famously attributed his success to his Nigerian diet. He later reiterated this pride during a Commonwealth Day address in front of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family.

A Sobering Reminder

This devastating accident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent road safety challenges on Nigeria’s highways, even for high-profile individuals. While the global boxing community is relieved that Anthony Joshua survived, the loss of life underscores the gravity of the incident.

Investigations continue, and fans around the world await further updates on Joshua’s recovery as tributes pour in for those who lost their lives.