The boxing world is in a state of shock following reports that former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a horrific road accident in Nigeria on Monday, December 29, 2025.
The crash, which occurred along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the Makun area of Ogun State, reportedly claimed the lives of two people on the spot. While the British-Nigerian star has survived the ordeal, early reports indicate he sustained minor injuries and was seen in a state of visible distress at the scene.
Watch as the boxer is helped out of the wreckage.
Video of Anthony Joshua being removed from the car crash he was involved in pic.twitter.com/hOi3O4prj8
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) December 29, 2025
The accident occurred around 11:00 AM local time near the Danco filling station. Joshua, who is currently in Nigeria for the festive holidays following his dominant knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, was traveling in a two-vehicle convoy.
According to eyewitnesses and rescue workers, the Lexus SUV carrying the 36-year-old boxer slammed into a stationary truck. Images circulating on social media show a shirtless Joshua sitting in the back of the wreckage, surrounded by shattered glass and twisted metal.
“It was a devastating impact,” said Adeniyi Orojo, an eyewitness who assisted in the rescue mission. “Joshua was seated behind the driver. There were four people in the Lexus. Sadly, the passenger sitting beside the driver and another occupant died instantly.”
Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident today in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Viewer discretion is advised. pic.twitter.com/g9YWInUOjb
— Boxing News (@BoxingNewsED) December 29, 2025
“A Miraculous Escape”
While two lives were tragically cut short, Joshua’s team and local authorities have confirmed that the “Ajagba” warrior was “pulled from the wreckage” with non-life-threatening injuries. His security detail, who were traveling in a follow-up Toyota Pajero, were reportedly unharmed and assisted in securing the scene before the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived.
In London, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his concern, telling the Daily Mail: “I awoke to the news of this incident. We are trying to contact Anthony, but thankfully he appears OK from the images we have seen. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives.”
From Victory to Mourning
The tragedy comes just ten days after one of the biggest paydays of Joshua’s career – a sixth-round demolition of YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at the Kaseya Center. Joshua had traveled to his ancestral home to celebrate the win and spend Christmas with his family.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is notorious for its heavy traffic and frequent accidents involving stationary or broken-down trucks, a perennial safety concern that has now claimed lives in the inner circle of one of the world’s most famous athletes.
Ogun State police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash. As of Monday afternoon, fans across the globe have flooded social media, while local authorities work to clear the wreckage.
