Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua injured in car crash in Nigeria – What we know so far

British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was injured in a serious car crash in Nigeria that killed two people. The 36‑year‑old was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after the vehicle he was travelling in collided with a stationary truck on a major highway.

Crash details and location

The accident happened on the Lagos‑Ibadan expressway in Ogun State, a busy road linking Lagos with other parts of southwestern Nigeria. Police confirmed Joshua’s vehicle (SUV) collided with a truck early on Monday, and two other people died at the scene. Just hours before the crash, he posted an Instagram story playing table tennis.

Joshua’s condition

Local police said Joshua sustained only minor injuries and was conscious when taken to the hospital. Footage online appears to show him sitting amid broken glass and looking dazed before emergency responders helped him from the wreckage. The boxer is reportedly “fine” despite the shock of the crash. Eyewitnesses said there were four people in Joshua’s vehicle.

What officials say

Ogun State police are investigating the cause of the collision, which may have involved a burst tyre that caused the driver to lose control, according to a local police commissioner. A statement released by Nigerian authorities confirmed the accident and Joshua’s hospitalization. His security team was following in a separate vehicle when the accident happened.

British broadcaster Piers Morgan took to X to explain the accident: "Boxing champion Anthony Joshua has survived a deadly car crash in Nigeria that killed two people. He was a passenger in a Lexus when it reportedly smashed into a truck. This is him being carried out of his vehicle, clearly in agony. But he is said to be OK."

Fight with Jake Paul

Joshua is a two‑time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist and was in Nigeria following a knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami just over a week ago. Reports say he was on a holiday visit to his parents’ homeland, where he maintains strong family ties.

His promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he was away on holiday when he learned of the crash and that attempts were being made to contact Joshua directly. Hearn described the boxer as looking okay in images from the scene, but said more information was needed.