Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom following a horrific car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends and team members, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The former heavyweight champion sustained minor injuries in the December 28 incident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway but has been discharged from hospital and flown home for further recovery.
The Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck after a reported tire burst caused the driver to lose control during an overtaking maneuver. Ogun State Police charged driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, with dangerous and reckless driving, alleging excessive speed contributed to the tragedy. Joshua, seated in the back, was hospitalized briefly in Lagos before stabilizing, with President Tinubu offering national sympathies.
Reports reveal Joshua swapped seats moments before impact, potentially saving his life amid the wreckage. Promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing confirmed Joshua's release and return, mourning the "tragic loss" of his associates who perished on-site. Social media photos showed Joshua in pain being extricated, underscoring the crash's severity on Nigeria's notorious highway.
The incident follows Joshua's sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, part of his ring resurgence after losing the heavyweight title to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. With roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, the UK-based boxer visited family during the holiday before the accident disrupted plans. Boxing circles worldwide express relief at his safe return amid ongoing investigations.