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| What Happened to Anthony Joshua |
Discover what happened to Anthony Joshua today after his car crash in Nigeria that injured him and killed two people. Learn the latest verified updates on his condition.
In a shocking and widely reported incident on December 29, 2025, British-Nigerian boxing icon Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria. The accident left two people dead and the former two-time world heavyweight champion hospitalized with minor injuries. This blog post breaks down the latest verified details on what happened to Anthony Joshua, the context of the crash, eyewitness and official reports, his condition, reactions from around the world, and what this means for his career and upcoming plans.
Breaking: What Happened to Anthony Joshua Today?
On the morning of December 29, 2025, Anthony Joshua, 36, was traveling in a Lexus SUV on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun in Ogun State, Nigeria, when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck. Eyewitnesses and official sources reported that the vehicle was traveling at high speed and may have lost control while overtaking, leading to the fatal collision.
The crash was captured in dramatic video footage circulating on social media showing the wrecked SUV and bystanders assisting the visibly shaken boxer as he was helped from the scene.
Joshua’s Condition: Injured but Stable
Despite the severity of the crash, authorities and medical officials have confirmed that Joshua sustained only minor injuries. He was conscious, alert, and taken to a hospital for treatment and observation following the accident. Police and emergency services say he did not require emergency surgical intervention, and his condition is described as stable.
Media footage from the scene shows Joshua wincing in pain as he is assisted by bystanders and emergency personnel, but alive and moving under his own power after the crash.
Two People Killed in the Crash
Tragically, two passengers in the vehicle died at the scene. Police confirmed that both individuals were pronounced dead shortly after the collision and were taken to Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu. The identities of the deceased were initially reported as close members of Joshua’s team, including people who were integral to his training setup and promotional efforts.
The Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended condolences to the families of the deceased, underscoring the seriousness of the incident and the national attention it drew.
Where and How the Accident Happened
The collision occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest inter-state highways, close to the Sagamu interchange. According to investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and eyewitness reports:
- The Lexus SUV was moving at excessive speed
- It lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle
- It collided head-on with a stationary truck parked at the roadside
- Multiple people were injured or killed in the crash alongside Joshua’s minor injuries
Authorities stated they have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances of the accident to determine exact causes and liability.
Anthony Joshua Car Crash Video
Several videos and eyewitness clips have circulated online capturing the aftermath of the crash. These include footage of:
- Joshua sitting or being helped out of the wreckage
- The heavily damaged SUV
- Bystanders assisting rescue efforts
- Emergency response teams arriving at the scene
One such video posted on YouTube shows dramatic scenes of Joshua being rescued from the damaged vehicle in Nigeria, highlighting the severity of the collision.
Viewer discretion is advised: Some snippets contain distressing imagery.
Why This Crash is Significant
This incident is not just a local news item — it’s a global sports story for several key reasons:
Joshua’s Profile
Anthony Joshua is one of the most recognizable figures in world boxing, a two-time unified world heavyweight champion and a global sporting icon. His presence in Nigeria — a country with which he has deep familial ties — already drew attention before the crash.
Recent Boxing Success
Just days before the accident, Joshua had scored a major victory over YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul, winning by sixth-round knockout on December 19, 2025. The fight was a significant moment in his career and was widely covered by sports media.
British-Nigerian Legacy
Born in England to British-Nigerian parents, Joshua frequently connects with both nations. His presence in Nigeria was related to family visits and potential future sporting engagements.
The Broader Context: Joshua’s Career and Recent Fights
To understand the impact of this incident, it helps to look at where Joshua’s career stood leading up to this moment:
- Two-time heavyweight champion with titles on multiple occasions
- A major figure in global boxing with huge international appeal
- His December 2025 knockout win over Jake Paul was seen as a comeback after earlier losses
- Future high-profile bouts (including discussions around matchups with Tyson Fury) were being anticipated before the crash
While the accident does not immediately alter boxing schedules, it adds uncertainty to his short-term athletic plans depending on recovery and emotional impacts.
Reactions from the Boxing World and Beyond
Fellow Boxers and Promoters
Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed shock at the news and shared that he was away on holiday when he heard of the crash. He noted that Joshua appeared to be okay in the images but was awaiting more verified information.
Social Media and Fans
Fans around the world — including boxing rival Jake Paul — took to social platforms with messages of support and prayers for Joshua and condolences for the families of those killed. These reactions underscore how connected global audiences have become to Joshua’s journey.
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| Per many outlets he has minor injuries. | Per The Ring’s sources the person next to the driver and the person next to Joshua passed away on that scene. |
Nigerian Leadership
President Tinubu personally extended his sympathies to Joshua and the families of the victims, recognizing the tragic loss of life and the seriousness of the crash.
What This Means for Joshua’s Immediate Future
At the moment, the focus is on Anthony Joshua’s recovery and well-being:
- He remains hospitalized for observation with minor injuries
- There is no indication of severe or life-threatening wounds
- Boxing commitments and future fights will depend on his medical clearance and readiness
- His team is expected to provide updates as they become available
Even though the situation is grave due to the loss of life, Joshua’s stable condition offers hope for his long-term health and potential return to boxing.
Road Safety Highlight: Nigeria’s Expressways
This event has also sparked wider conversations about road safety in Nigeria, especially on major routes like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where high traffic volumes and speeding are common. Officials such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have reiterated the importance of obeying speed limits and safe overtaking practices as key factors in preventing fatal accidents.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2025 | Joshua defeats Jake Paul by knockout in Miami. |
| Dec 29, 2025 | Joshua involved in fatal car crash on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria. |
| Dec 30, 2025 | Global news coverage confirms two deaths and Joshua’s stable hospitalization. |
Final Thoughts: A Career Interrupted, Not Ended
What happened to Anthony Joshua today — the serious car crash in Nigeria — is a dramatic and tragic event that has affected not only him but the lives of others who were with him. Despite the heartache and grief surrounding the deaths of two close associates, the news that Joshua survived with minor injuries brings a degree of relief to fans around the world.
As investigations continue and official statements develop, the boxing community remains hopeful for Joshua’s full recovery — both physically and mentally — and anticipates further updates on his condition. Once he is out of the hospital and healed, Joshua will face decisions about his boxing future, including how he wants to honor the memory of those lost in the crash.
Stay Updated
To stay informed on Joshua’s recovery, evolving official updates, and future fights, bookmark trusted news sources like BBC Sports, Sky Sports, and Reuters Sports.
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