Anthony Joshua, the two-time former world heavyweight champion from Britain, was in a secure situation within the hospital after being concerned in a automobile crash in Nigeria that killed two individuals who have been shut associates and group members, his promoter mentioned.
Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing mentioned on X that Joshua “sustained accidents within the accident and was taken to hospital Monday for checks and therapy” and he’ll “stay there for statement.” It named Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele as the 2 passengers who had “tragically handed away.” Photographs on social media confirmed Joshua being extricated from a wrecked automobile whereas he was wincing in ache.
“Following thorough medical evaluations, medical professionals have confirmed that each sufferers (hospitalized after the accident) are secure and don’t require any emergency medical intervention presently,” a joint assertion by Lagos and Ogun state governments mentioned.
The Lagos state commissioner for info, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed the accident in a submit on X, including that the federal government had despatched ambulances to the crash web site.
The crash occurred on a serious thoroughfare — the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which hyperlinks Ogun state to Lagos, the nation’s financial capital — at about 11 a.m. native time. Nigeria is the homeland of Joshua’s dad and mom.
Ogun State Police earlier mentioned in a press release: “The automobile conveying Mr. Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was concerned within the accident underneath circumstances which are presently being investigated. Joshua, seated within the rear of the automobile, sustained minor accidents and is receiving medical consideration with one other injured individual.” Based on Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the Federal Street Security Corps, preliminary investigations indicated the automobile was “touring past the legally prescribed pace restrict on the hall, misplaced management throughout an overtaking maneuver and crashed right into a stationary truck,” which was by the facet of the highway.
The Ogun state authorities mentioned that “preliminary reviews point out that two male international nationals died on the spot.”
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‘Life is way more necessary than boxing’ Joshua beat YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Dec. 19 in a bout in Miami, which he was utilizing to regain sharpness within the ring. He misplaced the world heavyweight title in 2021 to Oleksandr Usyk.
“Life is way more necessary than boxing. I’m praying for the misplaced lives, AJ and anybody impacted by as we speak’s unlucky accident,” Paul mentioned Monday.
Nigeria’s president calls Joshua
Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, known as Joshua in hospital.
“I spoke with AJ on the cellphone to personally convey my condolences over the dying of his two associates,” the president mentioned on X. “I needed him a full and speedy restoration, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he’s receiving the absolute best care. I additionally spoke together with his mom and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the decision.” No additional particulars on Joshua’s situation got.
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“Anthony Joshua is in an undisclosed hospital being handled for his accidents,” Lanre Ogunlowo, the commissioner of police for Ogun state, informed the AP. He mentioned he has no additional info on the accidents.
Hearn had earlier informed Every day Mail Sport that he was “away on a household vacation and awoke to the information of this incident.
“We are attempting to contact Anthony and within the meantime we don’t need to speculate on how he’s however fortunately he seems OK from what I’ve seen within the photos.” Joshua briefly went to boarding college in Nigeria on the age of 11. He returned there for the primary time in 17 years in 2019, forward of a combat towards Andy Ruiz Jr.
Joshua has been in talks to combat fellow Briton Tyson Fury in 2026.