On December 29, 2025, the world of boxing paused for reasons that had nothing to do with punches, belts, or rankings. Anthony Joshua, one of the most recognizable heavyweight fighters of his generation, became the center of a tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria. Two people lost their lives. Joshua survived. What followed was shock, grief, and a deep investigation into how a routine drive turned fatal.
This is the complete story.
Why Anthony Joshua Was in Nigeria
Although Anthony Joshua is British by birth, his roots are Nigerian. His parents are from Ogun State, and he spent part of his childhood in the region before moving permanently to the United Kingdom. He has often spoken about his emotional connection to Nigeria and regularly returns there privately, away from cameras.
Only ten days before the crash, Joshua had completed a highly publicized boxing match in the United States. After that fight, he traveled to Nigeria to spend time with extended family and recover before beginning his next training cycle. This trip was not a commercial appearance, media tour, or sponsorship event. It was a personal visit.
On the morning of December 29, he was traveling between family locations within Ogun State when the crash occurred.
The Road and the Conditions
The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is one of the busiest highways in West Africa. It carries heavy trucks, buses, private cars, and commercial vehicles across long distances. Roadside parking, poor visibility in some areas, and inconsistent lane discipline are known safety challenges on this route.
On the morning of the crash, traffic was moderate to heavy due to holiday travel. Multiple trucks were parked on the roadside in the area where the collision later happened.
What Happened: Minute by Minute
Joshua was riding in the rear of a Lexus SUV with several other passengers. The driver was navigating the expressway at highway speed.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., witnesses report that the vehicle approached a section of road where a large truck was parked close to the driving lane. Investigators believe the SUV either experienced a sudden loss of control or was forced to make a sharp correction to avoid another vehicle.
Within seconds, the SUV veered and struck the stationary truck with heavy impact.
The collision crushed the front of the Lexus, shattering glass and twisting the vehicle structure. People nearby ran to the wreckage almost immediately. Joshua was conscious but visibly shaken. Other occupants were trapped or badly injured.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after and began rescue operations.
One who is present at the location shared the update on X
Who Died
Two passengers in the SUV died at the scene due to severe trauma. One was seated in the front section of the vehicle. The other was seated in the rear compartment near Joshua.
Their names were withheld initially while authorities notified family members. Their bodies were transported to a hospital morgue in Sagamu for official procedures.
Other passengers survived but suffered injuries of varying severity.
Anthony Joshua’s Condition
Joshua remained conscious throughout the rescue. He was removed from the vehicle and transported to a nearby medical facility. Doctors confirmed that his injuries were not life-threatening, though he required treatment and monitoring.
He did not give public statements in the immediate aftermath. His management team confirmed that he was stable but deeply shaken by the loss of life.
Why It Happened
The official investigation is still ongoing, but several key factors are under review:
- The mechanical condition of the SUV, including tires and braking systems
- Whether the driver made an evasive maneuver moments before impact
- The legality and safety of the parked truck’s position
- Traffic flow and visibility in the collision zone
- Road design and lane spacing
No final blame has been issued. However, investigators are analyzing whether negligence occurred on either side — including improper roadside parking, excessive speed, or mechanical failure.
Responsibility may ultimately involve both vehicle operation and highway safety enforcement.
Immediate Aftermath
News of the crash spread rapidly across Nigeria, the UK, and international sports media. Fans, athletes, and boxing officials expressed shock and condolences to the families of the deceased.
Joshua’s upcoming training and fight plans were suspended indefinitely. His team emphasized that his physical and emotional recovery would take priority.
Nigerian authorities launched a formal forensic reconstruction of the crash, including vehicle inspection, witness interviews, and road safety review.
What Comes Next
Authorities will release a full crash report once forensic analysis is complete. That report will determine:
- Whether any party will face legal consequences
- Whether highway safety regulations were violated
- What safety improvements may be recommended for that expressway section
Joshua is expected to remain out of public activities until cleared medically and emotionally.
Final Summary
- Anthony Joshua was in Nigeria on a personal family visit
- The crash happened on a major expressway in Ogun State
- A Lexus SUV struck a stationary truck
- Two passengers died
- Joshua survived with non-life-threatening injuries
- An official investigation is underway to determine responsibility