Anthony Joshua: British former world heavyweight champion stable after car accident in Nigeria as two team members die
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Updated 30/12/2025 at 14:53 GMT
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Anthony Joshua is in a stable condition, but two members of his team died following a car crash in Nigeria. Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele died in the incident on Monday morning. The former world heavyweight champion sustained injuries when a vehicle he was in collided with a stationary truck. Joshua had been in Nigeria following his bout against Jake Paul in Miami.
Anthony Joshua walks to the ring before his fight with Jake Paul in Miami
Image credit: Getty Images
British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is stable in hospital following a road traffic collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which killed two members of his team.
The 36-year-old, who has family ties to Sagamu in Ogun State, south-west Nigeria, sustained injuries but was rescued and taken to hospital following the accident on Monday morning.
His promoter, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele died in the accident.
A statement issued by Matchroom said: "With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
"Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation."
Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi of Nigeria's Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) said the early investigations showed the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team had been travelling along the highway from Lagos to Sagamu when it "experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed" and "lost control".
Mr Akinbiyi said Joshua and the driver were rescued and taken to a hospital in Sagamu for treatment.
Ogun state government confirmed on Monday that Joshua was conscious and had been in contact with his family.
Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on social media platform X that he had been in contact with Joshua to convey his condolences over the passing of "his two close associates".
"I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him," he said. "AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.
"I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call. Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention."
The former heavyweight world champion had been in Nigeria following his recent bout against Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
Ogun State Police Command reported that the crash involved a Lexus SUV that Joshua was travelling in from Lagos on Monday morning.
"Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident today - Monday December 29, 2025, at about 11am, in Makun, Ogun State," a statement read.
"The incident occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, just before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.
"The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and receiving medical attention.
"Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.
"The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced."
Ogun state government later provided further information.
"Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos," read the statement.
"Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time.
"A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely."
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