Anthony Joshua’s Boxing Future Hangs in the Balance as He Suffers ‘Worse Than Thought’ Injuries in Fatal Car Crash That Killed Two of His Close Friends
- Anthony Joshua’s £100m mega-fight with Tyson Fury is now in doubt after the boxer suffered injuries in a fatal car crash in Nigeria
- Two of Joshua’s long-term friends, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, were killed in the crash, which occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
- Joshua, 36, was a passenger in a black Lexus that ploughed into a stationary truck, and sources close to the fighter fear his injuries could be more severe than initially thought
- The boxer’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he is ‘awaiting more information’ on Joshua’s condition, but preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was travelling in excess of the speed limit and lost control while overtaking another vehicle
Anthony Joshua’s boxing future is hanging in the balance after the two-time heavyweight world champion suffered injuries in a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends. The 36-year-old was a passenger in a black Lexus that ploughed into a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and sources close to the fighter fear his injuries could be more severe than initially thought.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, told Daily Mail Sport that he is ‘awaiting more information’ on the boxer’s condition, but preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was travelling in excess of the speed limit and lost control while overtaking another vehicle. The crash, which occurred just 10 days after Joshua defeated Jake Paul in Miami, has left the boxing world in shock.
Images of the crash site show the mangled wreckage of the Lexus, with the car’s doors ripped out and the roof smashed out of place. A large pool of blood can be seen next to the destroyed vehicle, and eyewitnesses describe the scene as ‘horrific’.
Joshua’s friends, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, were killed in the crash, and the boxer’s promoter has paid tribute to the two men. ‘We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sina and Kevin, who were not only part of Anthony’s team but also close friends,’ Hearn said.
The crash has raised questions about Joshua’s future in the ring, with his proposed showdown against Tyson Fury in September or October now in doubt. The boxer’s injuries are currently unknown, but it is thought to be highly doubtful that he will be in any shape for a quick ring return.
‘Life is much more important than boxing,’ Jake Paul posted on social media in response to the news. ‘I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.’
Joshua is yet to comment publicly on the crash, but a relative of the boxer told the BBC that they are in ‘shock’ upon hearing the news. ‘We are hoping for his speedy recovery and also the people who passed away – I pray for the departed to rest in peace,’ they said.
The Federal Road Safety Corps has released a statement saying that 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.
The speed limit around the crash area is 50mph, and the crash is being investigated by local authorities. Joshua’s family has requested privacy at this time, and the boxer’s promoter has asked for space to be given to the families of the deceased.