Anthony Joshua has been rushed to hospital following a car crash in Nigeria that has reportedly killed two people.
The British boxer suffered minor injuries in the collision, which happened along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway at 11am local time on Monday, according to reports.
Joshua’s friend has reportedly said he is “ok but badly shaken up”, as unverified footage circulates online appearing to show the boxer topless and looking dazed in the passenger seat of a vehicle among broken glass.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion, who is also of Nigerian heritage, was holidaying in Africa just 10 days after his high-profile fight with Jake Paul.
Joshua stopped the YouTuber-turned-boxer in six rounds in Miami and was mooted to return to the ring in February, before a potential bout with Tyson Fury later in 2026. However, it is not known whether this outing will go ahead following the crash.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said he is still gathering information but the boxer is believed to be “OK”, according to reports.
A representative of Joshua told The Independent that the 36-year-old’s UK-based team is looking into the matter.
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Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria car crash - latest updates
- Joshua injured in crash that has reportedly left two people dead
- Joshua's friend says boxer is ‘badly shaken up’, according to reports
- Joshua's family reportedly 'shocked' by news of crash
- Crash caused by car suspected to be speeding, government preliminary findings suggest
- Boxer visiting Nigeria after knockout victory against Jake Paul days ago
- Joshua scheduled to fight in February before Tyson Fury showdown later in 2026
Turki Alalshikh shares message of support for Anthony Joshua
16:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTurki Alalshikh has shared his support for Anthony Joshua after the former heavyweight world champion was involved in a fatal car crash near Lagos in Nigeria.
The boxing supremo, who had scheduled Joshua's next fight to be in Saudi Arabia in February, before a second fight in 2026 against British rival Tyson Fury, shared pictures of the pair embracing at ringside and posing alongside a copy of The Ring Magazine, which is owned by Alalshikh.
Joshua is thought to have only suffered "minor injuries" from the crash, though the accident is likely to push back his return to the ring and role as a major attraction for Alalshikh's Riyadh Season, with boxing a prominent part of the cultural festival in the Kingdom.
Collision involved Lexus Jeep and 'red commercial Sinotruck', officials say
16:30 , Tara CobhamThe collision involved a Lexus Jeep and a “stationary, red commercial Sinotruck”, according to officials in Nigeria.
In a series of tweets posted by Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps, they said Anthony Joshua was a passenger in the Jeep.
The vehicle in which the other people, including the two reportedly killed, were travelling has not been confirmed by officials.
Watch: Anthony Joshua pulled from wreckage after car crash in Nigeria
16:15 , Tara Cobham'Life more important than boxing': Jake Paul 'praying for lost lives' and Joshua following deadly crash
16:02 , Tara CobhamJake Paul has said he is “praying for the lost lives” and Anthony Joshua following the deadly car crash.
Just 10 days ago, Joshua beat Paul in a high-profile fight and was believed to be recovering on holiday in Nigeria when the collision happened.
In a statement posted in X in the wake of the incident, Paul said: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 29, 2025
Joshua is on holiday in Nigeria following win against Jake Paul
15:55 , Tara CobhamThe former two-time unified world heavyweight champion is on holiday in Africa following his sixth-round knockout win over YouTube-turned-boxing superstar Jake Paul in Miami less than a fortnight ago.
Following a 15-month boxing layoff, Anthony Joshua broke Paul’s jaw in two places en route to victory in a contest broadcast by streaming giants Netflix, drawing a global audience of 33 million viewers.
Five men involved in crash, according to government officials
15:46 , Tara CobhamGovernment officials say five adult men were involved in the crash in Nigeria.
Two people died in the incident, two people were not hurt, and Anthony Joshua suffered minor injuries, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on social media, it said: “The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN (private) 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.”
Police statement issued saying two people died at scene of crash
15:40 , Tara CobhamPolice say two people died at the scene of the crash.
A police statement said: “The Ogun State Police Command confirms that world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road traffic accident at about 11am in Makun, Ogun State.
“The vehicle conveying Mr Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. Joshua, seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention with another injured person.
“Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. Further updates on the incident will be communicated as investigation progresses.”
Police say burst tyre caused crash, according to reports
15:35 , Tara CobhamPolice say the crash was caused by a burst tyre on Anthony Joshua’s vehicle, according to reports.
Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo told ESPN: “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.”
Mapped: Collision in Nigeria that left Anthony Joshua injured
15:24 , Tara CobhamCrash caused by car suspected to be speeding, government preliminary findings suggest
15:22 , Tara CobhamThe crash that left Anthony Joshua injured was caused by a car suspected to be speeding before losing control while overtaking, preliminary findings from the government suggest.
In a statement posted on social media, the Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria said: “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.”
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.
— FRSC, NIGERIA (@FRSCNigeria) December 29, 2025
In pictures: Scene of car crash in Nigeria that left Anthony Joshua injured
15:10 , Tara Cobham Footage appears to show Joshua topless and looking dazed in vehicle among broken glass
15:08 , Tara CobhamUnverified footage circulating online appears to show Anthony Joshua topless and looking dazed in the passenger seat of a vehicle among broken glass.
The incident reportedly happened along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway at 11am local time.
Anthony Joshua's family 'shocked' by news of crash
14:45 , Tara CobhamNews of the crash has “come to the family as a shock”, a relative of Anthony Joshua has said.
The relative, who asked not to be named, told the BBC: “We are hoping for his speedy recovery and also the people who passed away - I pray for the departed to rest in peace.”
They said he was travelling to the family home from Lagos, adding: “He’s normally coming around for the new year. We haven’t seen him so we were expecting him.”
Report: Anthony Joshua ‘badly shaken up’, says friend
14:31 , Alex PattleThe Daily Mail has reported that it has heard from a friend of Joshua, who has apparently said the boxer is “ok but badly shaken up”.
“Nobody knows quite what damage has been done,” they reportedly said, “but [he] was able to escape the wreckage.
“Others weren’t quite so lucky so it’s been a traumatic ordeal which he’s trying to process.”
Anthony Joshua team member also travelled to Nigeria before car crash
14:26 , Jack RathbornOne of Anthony Joshua’s team members, known as Sina, had also travelled to Lagos in the previous 24 hours, following a story on Instagram.
Sina, known as “sina_evolve” on social media, had been a key member of AJ’s team for the Jake Paul fight.
Operating as a physio and rehabilitation expert, Sina helped Joshua with his stretching and warm-up routine during the fight week in Miami.
Criticism of local infrastructure on social media
14:20 , Alex PattleFor what it’s worth, there’s been a lot of criticism from Nigerian users on X, who are addressing Joshua’s incident by complaining about local infrastructure – from road quality, or lack thereof, to wait times for ambulances.
Local police order investigation into Anthony Joshua car crash
14:15 , Alex PattleLanre Ogunlowo, the local police commissioner, said an investigation into the incident has been ordered.
“I can confirm to you that an accident occurred and the victim has been taken to the hospital,” he told the BBC.
Ode Fredrick, a divisional police officer in the Sagamu area, said authorities are heading to the hospital to confirm the casualties involved.
Watch: Anthony Joshua plays table tennis with friend before crash
14:10 , Alex PattleHere’s footage of the afore-mentioned Instagram story, which shows Joshua playing table tennis with a friend – seemingly just hours before the crash:
Anthony Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn reacts to news of car crash
14:05 , Jack RathbornJoshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told the Daily Mail Sport: “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 on what has happened and will update in due course.”
Anthony Joshua promoter reacts after heavyweight boxer involved in car crash
Anthony Joshua's pre-Christmas message on 2026 plans after Jake Paul fight
14:00 , Jack RathbornAnthony Joshua’s message to his fans after his knockout win against Jake Paul included a promise of “big things coming in the New Year.”
Joshua thanked his supporters after stopping Paul in the sixth round before Christmas.
Adding: “Stay tuned. We are all one under God’s eyes.”
Anthony Joshua sent Jake Paul to hospital with broken jaw after fight
13:55 , Alex PattleTen days ago, it was Joshua’s opponent who was taken to hospital.
Joshua broke Jake Paul’s jaw in two places during their fight in Miami, leaving the American on a liquid diet over Christmas, apparently.
Jake Paul details major damage caused by Anthony Joshua in knockout loss
Anthony Joshua shares table tennis video hours before major car crash in Nigeria
13:51 , Jack RathbornAnthony Joshua posted a video of himself playing table tennis against personal trainer and social media influencer Latz, known as "healthy_mindset" on Instagram, hours before the fatal car crash in Nigeria.
Joshua could be seen enjoying a rally with his friend, adding the caption: “healthy_mindset dishing out table tennis smoke.”
Anthony Joshua’s divisive performance against Jake Paul
13:46 , Alex PattleJust 10 days ago, any column inches dedicated to Joshua were discussing the boxer’s performance against Jake Paul – a performance that drew criticism from many corners.
But here’s The Independent’s contrasting take on the matter:
Disappointed in Anthony Joshua? Sorry, you’ve got it completely wrong
Anthony Joshua's next fight set to be rescheduled after car crash in Nigeria
13:42 , Jack RathbornAnthony Joshua has been due for a quick turnaround after his sixth-round knockout win over Jake Paul earlier this month.
Riyadh Season boss Turki Alalshikh had lined up Joshua to feature in Saudi Arabia in February.
With proposed plans for AJ to then take on Tyson Fury later in 2026.
Joshua is thought to be “fine” and has suffered “minor injuries” from the car accident on Monday, but any return to the ring now looks several months away at least.
Anthony Joshua’s UK-based team looking into incident
13:34 , Alex PattleA representative of Joshua told The Independent that the boxer’s UK-based team is looking into the matter.
More updates from Team AJ as and when we have them.
Statistics report that expressway is Nigeria’s deadliest nationwide
13:31 , Alex PattleA report from Legit Nigeria reads: “By 2025, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remained Nigeria’s deadliest highway.
“Data showed that in the first quarter of 2025 alone, 175 crashes were recorded, resulting in 73 deaths and 393 injuries.
“January 2025 saw the highest number of crashes, while February recorded the highest fatalities.”
Awaiting official comment from Joshua’s representatives
13:29 , Alex PattleThe Independent has contacted representatives of Joshua for comment on the situation.
We will provide any updates we have from them in due course.
Anthony Joshua sat behind driver in fatal crash crash
13:28 , Jack Rathborn"Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him," eyewitness Adeniyi Orojo has told the Nigerian newspaper The Punch.
A Lexus and Pajero were reportedly involved in the crash, with Mr Orojo adding: "There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash."
Worrying footage circulating in aftermath of crash
13:27 , Alex PattleThe Independent has seen multiple clips from the aftermath of the incident online. However, some elements of the footage are not appropriate to share at this time.
What is clear from the footage is that Joshua appeared pained and dazed in the fallout of the incident.
Local police confirm car crash involving Anthony Joshua
13:21 , Jack RathbornThe Ogun State Police Command has sent a statement to the BBC which confirms two people died in the crash that has left Anthony Joshua injured.
Joshua is now said to be at "an undisclosed hospital".
Anthony Joshua involved in car crash, with two others dead
13:20 , Jack Rathborn Anthony Joshua taken to hospital after Nigeria car crash
13:17 , Jack RathbornBritish boxer Anthony Joshua has been injured, with two others killed, in a car crash, Nigeria Local police have told the BBC.
Joshua has reportedly been taken to hospital with what have been described as “minor injuries.”
The heavyweight fighter is thought to be "fine", with the accident happening on Ogun–Lagos state expressway on Monday