Anthony Joshua Survives Fatal Crash in Nigeria
British boxing star Anthony Joshua is recovering in hospital after a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of at least two people, according to local reports. The accident occurred just over a week after Joshua’s viral victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami.
The Crash Details
The 36-year-old athlete was traveling along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Monday in his Lexus SUV when it collided with another vehicle. Reports indicate Joshua was seated behind the driver, with a passenger beside him.
An eyewitness described the chaotic scene:
“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver. Other eyewitnesses and I helped pull people from the wreckage and flagged down oncoming vehicles. Federal Road Safety Corps officials arrived minutes later.”
Initial reports suggest Joshua sustained minor injuries, while two other men lost their lives. His security team followed in a separate vehicle. Authorities transported Joshua and the injured to an undisclosed hospital.
Shocking Timing
The crash shocked fans, coming just days after Joshua’s headline-grabbing fight with Jake Paul on December 19. The crossover boxing match—an Olympic gold medallist versus a social media influencer—dominated social media and Netflix highlights.
Critics questioned the fight’s legitimacy due to Joshua’s size, strength, and experience advantages, describing it as a mismatch. Referee Christopher Young was reportedly heard commenting mid-fight:
“Fans didn’t pay to see this crap.”
Joshua knocked Paul out in the sixth round, leaving the YouTuber with a broken jaw. Despite criticism, Joshua earned a significant payday, reportedly part of a £210 million purse.
Career and Future Plans in Doubt
Before the crash, Joshua’s future in boxing was already under debate. He had suffered a heavy loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and faced mixed results in recent matches.
Joshua had been pursuing a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, even mimicking his rival’s voice in Miami, challenging him to sign a contract within weeks. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, also mentioned a possible fight against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, stressing Joshua wouldn’t return until fully ready.
Crash Investigation
Authorities confirmed that five adult males were involved in the crash. Two died, while the others escaped unharmed. Preliminary reports suggest the Lexus SUV may have been traveling over the speed limit and lost control during an overtaking maneuver, colliding with a stationary truck.
A Sobering Moment
Joshua had posted a table tennis video hours before the accident, showing a relaxed side of his life. Now, fans and the boxing community are left waiting to see when he will fully recover and whether his upcoming fights, including the potential Fury matchup, will proceed.
