British heavyweight and Olympic gold medalist Anthony Joshua was in a speeding Lexus and survived a crash Monday morning in Nigeria that killed two other people, authorities said. The incident occurred about 11 a.m. on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Ogun state, in the far southwest corner of Nigeria.
The tragic crash claimed the lives of two people close to the boxing superstar, his trainers and longtime friends, Sina Ghami and Kevin "Latif" Ayodele, according to the president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sina was AJ's exercise rehabilitation coach for over 10 years and is the co-founder of Evolve Gym. His last Instagram Story was a picture of his trip to Nigeria. Latif was Joshua's personal trainer and longtime friend.
The Federal Road Safety Corps said the Lexus slammed into a stationary truck. Preliminary reports show that Joshua was sitting in the back of a black Lexus SUV, which is suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor. The driver lost control and crashed into a stationary truck on the side of the road.
Joshua, seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in stable condition. Lagos and Ogun state governments have issued a joint statement making clear two people died at the scene, while Joshua and another injured passenger were taken to hospital but did not require any emergency medical intervention.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally called Joshua to convey his condolences: "I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates. I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care. I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call".
The crash comes at a critical moment in Joshua's career. The Briton beat Paul in six rounds in his first fight since a knockout defeat by Daniel Dubois in September 2024. It was his 29th win from 33 professional fights. Joshua used his post-fight interview to call out Tyson Fury, with reports suggesting the two are close to agreeing a long-awaited fight in Saudi Arabia in 2026. However, Joshua is being lined up to fight beforehand, with a February return to the ring mooted but now complicated by the crash.
Jake Paul, Joshua's recent opponent, responded to the news on social media. "Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today's unfortunate accident," he wrote on X.
Joshua is the son of British Nigerian parents. He spent time at a Nigerian boarding school when he was younger but returned to Britain after his parents got divorced. The 36 year old three time heavyweight champion's connection to Nigeria made this trip particularly significant, though it has now ended in tragedy.
Ogun State Police confirmed that circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation. The boxing community worldwide has expressed shock and sympathy as Joshua mourns two close friends who were integral members of his team and training camp.