Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was injured Monday after a vehicle he was traveling in crashed on a major highway in Ogun State, Nigeria, killing two people, according to police.
The crash occurred late Monday morning on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, one of the country’s busiest roads. Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, Nigerian authorities told the BBC. Police said he was conscious after the collision and remains under medical observation.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the vehicle Joshua was in struck a stationary truck along the expressway. Two other occupants of the vehicle died at the scene. Authorities have not released their identities.
Police Investigate Cause of Crash
Police said the SUV, a Lexus, was traveling toward Ibadan when it collided with a parked truck near the Sagamu interchange. According to the Independent, early information suggests a possible mechanical issue, though investigators have not confirmed a cause.
“The accident involved a Lexus vehicle that collided with a stationary truck,” police spokesperson Babaseyi Oluseyi said in comments reported by the BBC. “Two passengers died, while Anthony Joshua sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital.”
Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps responded to the scene to assist with emergency efforts and manage traffic, according to Nigerian authorities. Police said they have opened a formal investigation and will release additional findings once inquiries conclude.
TMZ reported that Joshua was seated in the back of the vehicle at the time of the crash and avoided life-threatening injuries. Video footage shared by the outlet showed the damaged vehicle on the roadside, with bystanders gathering near the scene.
Incident Follows High-Profile Boxing Win
The crash occurred just days after Joshua returned to the ring for a high-profile bout against Jake Paul. This fight streamed globally on Netflix and drew widespread attention beyond traditional boxing audiences. The New York Post reported that Joshua had traveled to Nigeria shortly after the fight.
Joshua has frequently spoken about his ties to Nigeria. Though he was born in England, his parents are Nigerian, and he has spent time in the country throughout his life.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has not issued a public statement on the incident, and Joshua’s representatives have not provided further details about his condition. The Independent reported that Joshua remains under observation as a precaution.
News of the crash prompted an outpouring of concern across social media. Fans and fellow athletes expressed relief that Joshua survived. Many also offered condolences to the families of those who passed away.
