Lagos, Nigeria: Former World Heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was critically injured in a severe car crash in Nigeria on Monday, which claimed the lives of two of his close associates. According to eyewitness reports, the car was traveling well above the speed limit when it collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway near Lagos State’s Ogun area.
Joshua Rescued and Hospitalized
Lagos State Information Commissioner Benga Omotso confirmed via social media that emergency services promptly reached the scene, extracting Joshua from the wreckage. Videos shared by witnesses show the boxer in visible pain as he was assisted by rescue teams. Joshua, whose parents are Nigerian, spent part of his childhood in the country, attending school there for a brief period.
Accident Occurred During Overtaking Maneuver
A spokesperson for Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps, Olusegun Ogunbemide, stated that initial investigations suggest the car, reportedly driven by one of Joshua’s teammates, lost control while overtaking and struck the stationary truck. Lagos State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo said the name of the hospital where Joshua is receiving treatment is being withheld for privacy. Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed that the boxer’s condition is stable and under continuous monitoring.
Two Team Members Lost in the Crash
Matchroom Boxing reported that Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both key members of Joshua’s team, were killed in the accident. Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Latif was his personal trainer. Boxing experts have described them as among Joshua’s closest confidants.
Recent Boxing Comeback and Future Plans
Just nine days before the accident, Joshua had defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, a practice bout aimed at regaining his competitive form. Joshua had lost the World Heavyweight title to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and is reportedly in discussions for a 2026 rematch with his British compatriot Tyson Fury as he looks to reclaim the championship.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.