Anthony Joshua's injuries 'worse than feared' after crash that killed two people
Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria on Monday, with the former two-time unified heavyweight world champion sustaining injuries.
Concerns are mounting over the severity of Anthony Joshua's injuries following a dreadful car crash in Nigeria on Monday, which may be more serious than initially believed. The British heavyweight champion was involved in a fatal accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway just outside Lagos on Monday morning. A black Lexus Jeep he was travelling in collided with a stationary red commercial Sinotruck.
While Joshua was rushed to hospital with minor injuries, the crash tragically claimed the lives of his close friends, Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria subsequently released its initial findings on X. The FRSC stated: "The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number.
"A total of five adult males were involved in the crash. Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.
"The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation."
"Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road."
Whilst initial reports suggested Joshua suffered only 'minor' injuries from the collision, concerns are mounting that his condition may be more serious than originally believed. According to the Daily Mail, sources close to the former two-time unified heavyweight world champion fear the damage could prove more significant.
A member of the fighter's tight-knit inner circle raised concerns about potential rib and knee injuries.
Social media footage captured Ayodele playing table tennis with Joshua mere hours before he tragically lost his life in the accident.
Sharing a brief clip of their casual game on Instagram, Joshua posted: "@healthy_mindset dishing out table tennis smoke,"
Photographs on Latz's social media account showed the pair posing shirtless beside a swimming pool just five days earlier with the caption: "Looking like we just swam back from Miami," an apparent reference to Joshua's sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami earlier this month.
In the wake of the tragedy, condolences poured in swiftly, with Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn amongst the first to pay tribute. "With the heaviest of hearts," he wrote in an Instagram post.
"Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone."
Matchroom Boxing also released a statement confirming the deaths of personal trainer Latz and strength and conditioning coach Ghami.
A spokesperson posted on Instagram: "Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier today. With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away. Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment.
"He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected - and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time. No further comment will be made at this time."
