Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a car accident today in Nigeria that left two people dead, though he escaped with minor injuries.
The incident occurred on the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on December 29, 2025. According to reports, Joshua was traveling in the back of a Lexus SUV when it collided with a stationary truck. Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps stated that the vehicle was suspected to be speeding before the crash. Tragically, two of Joshua’s close companions, including his long-time rehabilitation coach Sina “Evolve” Ghami, lost their lives in the accident.
Joshua, 36, was pulled from the vehicle and treated for minor injuries. Footage circulating online showed him sitting in an emergency vehicle speaking with officials shortly after the collision. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, citing excessive speed and wrongful overtaking as likely factors.
The accident comes just ten days after Joshua’s high-profile victory over Jake Paul in Miami, where he knocked out the YouTuber-turned-boxer in the sixth round. Following that fight, Joshua had traveled to Nigeria, where he was spending time with family and associates.
The loss of Ghami has sent shockwaves through the sporting community. Widely respected in elite circles, he was a pioneering figure in sports rehabilitation and had been a key part of Joshua’s career for over a decade, helping him recover and prepare for major bouts.
While Joshua is reported to be “fine” physically, the emotional toll of losing close friends and colleagues is expected to weigh heavily on him. Tributes have already begun pouring in for Ghami and the other victim, with many highlighting their contributions to boxing and athlete development.
This tragic event underscores the dangers of Nigeria’s highways, where excessive speed and unsafe driving practices remain leading causes of fatal accidents. For Joshua, the crash marks a devastating chapter in his life outside the ring, even as his boxing career continues to draw global attention.