December 29, 2025: British-Nigerian boxing superstar Anthony Joshua narrowly Escape death in a horrific car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, that tragically claimed the lives of two passengers.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time when the black Lexus SUV carrying Joshua, a two-time former unified heavyweight champion, collided with a stationary commercial truck parked along the roadside. Preliminary investigations by the Ogun State Police and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) point to a burst tire as the primary cause, leading the driver to lose control and swerve into the truck. Some reports also cited excessive speed and a wrongful overtaking maneuver as contributing factors.
Joshua, 36, was seated in the rear of the vehicle and sustained only minor injuries. He was rescued from the wreckage by bystanders and emergency responders, appearing dazed and in pain in circulating footage. He was promptly evacuated to a specialist medical facility in Lagos, where authorities confirmed he is stable, conscious, and responding well to treatment. Two other adult male passengers—reportedly foreign nationals—were pronounced dead at the scene, while another sustained injuries and two others escaped unhurt. The deceased were transferred to Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu.
The crash happened just ten days after Joshua’s triumphant return to the ring, where he delivered a sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. Joshua, who has strong family ties in Nigeria and was visiting relatives during the holiday season, had posted a lighthearted video playing table tennis hours before the accident.
Reactions poured in swiftly. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended “deep sympathies” to Joshua, acknowledging the emotional toll of the tragedy. Jake Paul posted on X: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.” Promoters and figures like Eddie Hearn and Turki Alalshikh also expressed relief at Joshua’s survival and condolences to the victims’ families.
Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed a thorough investigation is underway. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, notorious for high fatality rates, underscores ongoing road safety concerns in Nigeria.
Joshua’s family described the news as a “shock,” praying for his speedy recovery and the departed souls. As the boxing world holds its breath, attention turns to AJ’s health and the full probe into this devastating event.
