Two Britons dead as Anthony Joshua survives car crash in Ogun

…How vehicle carrying ex-world heavyweight champion crashed -FRSC

Nigerian born British former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has survived a fatal car accident in Ogun State, Nigeria, which claimed the lives of two British men travelling with him.

The crash occurred on Monday in Makun, along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, when the Lexus SUV marked KRD 850 HN, carrying Joshua and others, collided with a stationary truck along the highway.

Police confirmed that Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries while seated in the rear of the vehicle.

“The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and (is) receiving medical attention,” Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said.

Eyewitness Adeniyi Orojo noted that Joshua was travelling with three others when the crash occurred.

“Joshua was seated behind the driver with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash,” he said.

Orojo added that the passenger beside the driver and the person seated next to Joshua died instantly.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the accident to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.

FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in a statement after the incident on Monday, confirmed that five men were involved, with two fatalities, one injury and two escaping unhurt.

The remains of the deceased, identified as British nationals, were deposited at Livewell Morgue in Sagamu.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well parked by the side of the road,” Ogungbemide said.

…Tinubu, Atiku speaks on incident
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has offered his sympathies to Anthony Joshua after a crash that claimed two lives and left Joshua injured.

“This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season. I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident,” he says in a statement posted to X.

“As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.

“I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”

The Ogun State Government also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and sympathy to Joshua.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the incident as “deeply unfortunate and painful, particularly with the loss of precious lives.”

He added, “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident, which the State considers a devastating loss. As we mourn collectively, we pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also reacted. In a post on his verified X account on Tuesday, Atiku said he was “deeply saddened” by news of the incident, which occurred in the Makun area of the state, and offered prayers for Joshua’s recovery.

He wrote, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the road accident involving @anthonyjoshua today in Makun, Ogun State. I stand in full solidarity with him during this difficult moment and pray for his swift and complete recovery. My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of the two individuals who tragically lost their lives in the accident.”

Joshua, who has family roots in Sagamu, was in Nigeria following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December, a fight he won by sixth-round knockout. The bout marked his return to the ring after a 15-month layoff, with plans already underway for a potential clash with Tyson Fury in 2026.

The accident has prompted renewed warnings from the FRSC to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking and excessive speed, particularly during the festive season when traffic volumes are high.

The damaged Lexus SUV has been evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division office, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Joshua remains under medical observation at an undisclosed hospital, while tributes continue to pour in for the two men who lost their lives in the incident.

…Jake Paul reacts, says life more important than boxing
Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer who lost to Anthony Joshua earlier this month, has reacted to the news of the fatal car crash that involved Joshua in Nigeria on Monday, stating that ‘Life is much more important than boxing’ as he offered his condolences to those affected by the accident.

In the aftermath of the unfortunate incident, Paul took to social media to offer his condolences to those affected and prayed for the lives lost- a mark of sympathy and solidarity with his fellow boxer.

“Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident,” the 28-year-old reacted on X.

Joshua, who was born in Watford, has family roots in Sagamu – a town in Ogun state, south-west Nigeria, near the crash site.

The 36-year-old had been spending time in the country following his recent victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December.

Joshua knocked out Paul in the sixth round of their fight at Kaseya Center.

…Joshua’s rise from Olympic gold to world champion
Anthony Joshua is a former two-time heavyweight champion and one of the most high-profile fighters in British boxing.

Born in Watford to British-Nigerian parents he rose to prominence by winning Olympic super-heavyweight gold for TeamGB at London 2012 before turning professional later that year.

Joshua captured the IBF heavyweight title in 2016 and went on to unify the division with victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin.

His dominance was ended by a surprise defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, though he reclaimed his titles in the immediate rematch later that year.

Back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022 ended his second reign, and a period of rebuilding under new trainers has followed for a fighter known for his athleticism, punching power and commercial appeal.

He was appointed an MBE in 2013 for his services to boxing following his Olympic success with an OBE following in 2018 for his broader services to sport.