British boxing star Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two people, according to official statements and footage reviewed by the BBC.
The incident occurred while Joshua was traveling in an SUV, with authorities confirming that the former heavyweight champion sustained only minor injuries.
Joshua, one of the most recognizable figures in global boxing, was seated in the back left seat of the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Details of the Nigeria crash
Newly surfaced footage shows the aftermath of the collision, including severe damage to a stationary lorry that police say was struck by the SUV carrying Joshua.
The video, filmed from the left-hand side of the vehicle, shows Joshua inside the dark interior, raising his right forearm and appearing to give a thumbs-up gesture to people gathered outside the crash site.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps stated that the SUV was suspected of exceeding the speed limit while overtaking another vehicle when the crash occurred. Investigations into the exact sequence of events remain ongoing.
Of the five men involved in the accident, authorities confirmed that two individuals lost their lives, while two others escaped without injury. Anthony Joshua was the only occupant to sustain injuries, which were described as minor.
Victims and official response
Ogun State officials addressed the fatalities in a preliminary statement, confirming that those who died were described as “two male foreign nationals.”
Emergency responders and security personnel traveling with Joshua reportedly assisted in rescuing him and the driver from the vehicle shortly after the collision.
State authorities reiterated that the matter remains under investigation as traffic officials assess contributing factors, including speed and road conditions.
Anthony Joshua’s condition and safety
According to government officials, Joshua was quickly removed from the wreckage by accompanying security staff. Despite the severity of the crash and the visible damage to both vehicles involved, the boxer avoided serious harm.
The incident has sparked widespread concern due to Anthony Joshua’s global profile, though officials stressed that his injuries were not life-threatening.
Joshua’s profile and recent career context
Anthony Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight world champion, rose to international prominence after winning Olympic super-heavyweight gold for Team GB at the London 2012 Games.
Turning professional later that year, he went on to capture the IBF title in 2016 and unified the division with high-profile victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Alexander Povetkin.
After setbacks against Andy Ruiz Jr and Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua has been in a rebuilding phase, working with new trainers while remaining one of boxing’s most commercially significant figures. He has been honored with an MBE and later an OBE for his contributions to sport.
Ongoing investigation
Nigerian authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further updates are expected as officials release more details regarding responsibility and contributing factors.