Just days after celebrating a high-profile heavyweight victory over Jake Paul, former unified heavyweight champion 35 year old, Anthony Joshua has been involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria. While Joshua escaped with what authorities describe as minor injuries, the crash claimed the lives of two other occupants in his vehicle.
The incident, which occurred late Monday morning, has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world, turning what was a victory lap for the British-Nigerian superstar into a moment of profound mourning.
Anthony Joshua Car Crash: What Happened on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
According to the Ogun State Police Command, the crash took place around 11:00 a.m. local time on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in the Makun/Sagamu area of Ogun State. This stretch of highway is a critical link between Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, and the rest of the country. Notably, Sagamu is close to Joshua’s ancestral hometown, a region where he is often celebrated as a local hero.
Joshua was traveling in a small convoy, riding as a rear-seat passenger in a Lexus SUV—locally referred to as a “Lexus Jeep”—with a security vehicle following behind. There were four people in the car at the time of the crash: the driver, a front-seat passenger, Joshua, and a second passenger seated next to him in the back.
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— Rakesh Yadav (@RakeshY07654052) December 29, 2025
What is do you think 💭
TAP TO CHECK IT ❤️#Nigeria #AnthonyJoshua pic.twitter.com/jiiPA3rqBh
Two Fatalities Confirmed
Tragically, the collision resulted in the immediate death of two occupants.
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- Fatalities: Reports indicate that the front-seat passenger and the passenger seated beside Joshua in the rear died at the scene.
- Identification: While authorities have not officially released the names of the deceased, unverified reports from local Nigerian outlets suggest that one of the victims may be a close associate and trainer known as “Lats” (or “Latz”), a popular online fitness personality. This detail has not yet been confirmed by Joshua’s camp or major international news agencies.
Bodies of the deceased were transported to the Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu.
Joshua’s Condition
Despite the severity of the wreckage—footage circulating on social media shows the SUV heavily damaged—Anthony Joshua survived without life-threatening injuries. Police and road safety officials have described him as “fine” and in stable condition.
There are conflicting local reports regarding the classification of his injuries as “minor” or “serious.” Still, he was able to be helped from the vehicle and is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital.
Investigation: Burst Tire or Speeding?
The exact cause of the crash is currently under active investigation by a joint team comprising the Ogun State Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck parked at the roadside. However, theories on why the vehicle left its lane differ:
- Police Theory: Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo told ESPN that the primary cause appears to be a burst tire on Joshua’s vehicle, which caused the driver to lose control and swerve into the parked truck.
- Road Safety Theory: Initial reports from road safety officials suggest that excessive speed and an attempt to overtake may have contributed to the loss of control.
Authorities have emphasized that a full causation report is still pending.
BREAKING: Anthony Joshua involved in serious car crash in Nigeria today .
— Michael Bogbo (@mikesensational) December 29, 2025
AJ sustained minor injuries & is receiving treatment. This is heartbreaking .
Let's hold off on blame or road talk until the full investigation is done. Prayers for AJ's quick recovery . #AnthonyJoshua… pic.twitter.com/9JzQj0IXQx
Legal Status: No Charges Filed
Despite rumors circulating on social media claiming that the driver has been “apprehended” or charged with vehicular homicide, there is no official confirmation of any arrests or criminal charges at this time.
Major news outlets, including CNN and Sky, report that the incident is being treated as an active investigation into a fatal road traffic accident. The Ogun State Police Command has stated they will release a comprehensive investigation report in coordination with federal authorities once all facts are established.
A Somber Turn of Events
This tragedy comes at a jarring moment for Joshua, who was riding high on the momentum of his recent heavyweight win against Jake Paul. The bout had generated massive global interest, and many fans viewed Joshua’s trip to Nigeria as a homecoming celebration of that success.
Ringside Report Network will continue to monitor the situation in Ogun State and provide updates on the investigation and Anthony Joshua’s recovery as they become available. Our thoughts are with the families of those lost in this tragic 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
