Eyewitness explains Anthony Joshua horror car crash as two left dead | Boxing | Sport

Two people in the SUV carrying British boxer Anthony Joshua were killed instantly in a horrific crash in Nigeria, as per eyewitness accounts. The distressing incident resulted in Joshua being taken to hospital with injuries. Joshua’s vehicle, which was accompanied by his security detail, reportedly collided with a stationary lorry near Makun on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, located in Ogun state.

Bystanders swiftly responded to the accident, attempting a rescue operation. It is believed that the vehicle lost control and swerved due to a tyre burst. Local police are currently investigating the crash, with the Ogun state traffic compliance and enforcement agency confirming Joshua’s involvement in the accident. Adeniyi Orojo, an eyewitness, recounted the chilling details to Punch newspaper: “It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. 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. “Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived. The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died on the spot.”

Express Sport contacted Eddie Hearn, his promoter, who was holidaying in the Caribbean and had only moments earlier learnt of the incident. Hearn confirmed that Joshua was OK and en route to hospital, though he could provide no additional details at that time.

Joshua had been spending time in Nigeria, his parents’ country of origin. Whilst ‘AJ’ was born in England and secured Olympic gold for Great Britain, he frequently displays the Nigerian flag with pride. The 36-year-old was visiting the West African nation following his victory over Jake Paul just over a week prior.

Joshua stopped the YouTuber-turned-boxer in the sixth round of a contentious encounter. The former heavyweight world champion left his opponent with a fractured jaw in two locations. Whilst the contest lasted longer than many anticipated, Joshua secured a commanding triumph.

Joshua has hinted that 2026 will prove significant for his career and reignited his rivalry with Tyson Fury in his post-bout remarks. In an Instagram post days following his 19 December victory, Joshua wrote: “A massive shoutout to the 33 million of you who tuned in to support me, Jake, and everyone on the undercard, and thank you to those who prayed for me during fight week.

“Enjoy the festive break if you’re celebrating, and have a blessed week if you’re not. Big things coming in the New Year, so stay tuned. We are all one under God’s eyes. God bless. Rastafari.”