Insiders have provided a heartbreaking update on the health of Anthony Joshua following the fatal car crash in Nigeria, which killed two of his entourage.
The crash occurred on Monday, December 29, as the former world champion was riding as a passenger in an SUV traveling along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the Makun area.
The 36-year-old was rushed to the hospital while his longtime personal trainer, Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami were killed.
Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, was in the country celebrating his recent fight against Jake Paul, and had been planning to spend time with family and local communities following the bout.
As investigators work to establish the full sequence of events, eyewitness testimony, official statements, and reaction from across the boxing world have painted a clearer – and increasingly heartbreaking – picture of the tragedy.
Boxing world shares tributes
Reaction to the incident has poured in from across the boxing community, including from some of Joshua’s most well-known rivals.
Tyson Fury shared his condolences on Tuesday after learning of the deaths of Ghami and Ayodele.
In an Instagram story, the British heavyweight wrote: “This is so sad. May god give them a good bed in heaven.”
In a separate message, Fury reflected on the fragility of life, adding: “There is no tomorrow. live, love, and give.”
Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk was also among those to publicly respond.
“This is an unbelievable loss,” Usyk wrote. “They were two incredible people who were not only part of AJ’s team, but also friends! My sincere condolences to their families, loved ones, and everyone who knew them.
“Anthony – wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong, champion.”
Jake Paul, who faced Joshua earlier this month in Miami, also shared a message following the crash.
“Life is much more important than boxing,” Paul wrote on social media. “I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Eyewitness describes terrifying moment of impact
A man who was close to the scene of the crash has described hearing a loud bang moments before realizing a serious accident had taken place.
Ajala Yusuf Oluwaseyi told Sky News he initially believed a truck tire had blown out after hearing a sudden ‘boom.’
It was only seconds later that he saw a vehicle had driven beneath a truck that was parked on the highway.
Describing Joshua’s condition after the crash, the eyewitness said the boxer appeared deeply shaken.
Oluwaseyi said: “He was shocked, he couldn’t talk.”
In footage following the incident, Joshua was seen shirtless and dazed inside the wrecked vehicle before being helped out by emergency responders.
Shock ripples through local community
The tragedy has also affected residents in Sagamu, Ogun State, where members of Joshua’s family live and where he was expected to visit during his stay in Nigeria.
Adedamola Joshua, the uncle of Anthony Joshua’s father, told The Associated Press that the boxer has always maintained close ties with the community.
He said: “All the people are very close with him (Anthony Joshua) and he is very free among the people. So it was a great shock for us.”
Another resident, Oluwatoyin Omoleye, said the news was ‘so sad because Anthony was coming home to celebrate with our people here.’
Police outline evolving understanding of crash cause
As further details have emerged, Nigerian authorities provided clarification on what may have led to the fatal collision.
Officials initially suggested the Lexus may have been speeding and crashed while attempting to overtake another vehicle. However, investigators later pointed to a mechanical failure as a key factor.
Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi of Nigeria’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps said preliminary findings indicate the SUV was traveling from Lagos toward Sagamu when it ‘experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed’ before it ‘lost control.’
According to authorities, five people were involved in the collision.
A joint statement from the Ogun and Lagos state governments confirmed Joshua ‘narrowly escaped death.’
Heartbreaking health update raises further concerns
Joshua remains in hospital as he continues to receive treatment.
According to local reports, he is being cared for at Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, which has been named Nigeria’s best private hospital for the past two years.
Nigeria’s president confirmed on Monday that Joshua’s mother had traveled to the hospital to be by his side after speaking with him following the crash.
While Joshua’s injuries were initially described as minor and he was said to be in stable condition, reports from insiders suggest deeper concerns remain.
Sources cited by The Sun say those close to the boxer are increasingly worried about the emotional and psychological toll of the crash, particularly following the sudden loss of two men who were constant presences throughout his career.
According to insiders, Joshua is still experiencing pain, but the greater fear is that the trauma and grief could leave lasting mental scars.
Sources suggested the tragedy may make it difficult for him to return to the ring without the two trusted figures who had always been in his corner.
As investigations continue and tributes continue to pour in, questions remain over how the crash will shape not only Joshua’s recovery – but his future in boxing.
