The Nigerian police have issued an update on a fatal road collision involving boxer Anthony Joshua, which has left two men dead.
Earlier today (29 December), it was confirmed that the former heavyweight boxing champion had been injured in a car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, one of the busiest motorways in Nigeria.
Joshua had been travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV that reportedly collided with a stationary truck.
This has since been confirmed in an update from Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), with an update saying the FRSC believe the car had been driving 'beyond the legally prescribed speed limit' and lost control during 'an overtaking manoeuvre'.
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"The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) wishes to confirm a fatal road traffic crash that occurred today Monday, 29 December 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway around the Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State, involving a Lexus Jeep conveying world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, and a stationary truck." the FRSC statement read.
The statement confirmed the crash had happened at around midday local time (11am GMT) with FRSC operatives arriving on the scene within three minutes.
"A total of five adult males were involved in the crash," the statement continued, confirming that two men had died at the scene while Joshua sustained minor injuries. The two other men escaped the crash unhurt.
"The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu," the statement continued.
"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 Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation.
"To this end, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed on behalf of the entire Management and staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured victim, Anthony Joshua, a speedy recovery."
One eyewitness to the incident, Adeniyi Orojo, told the local outlet Punch that Joshua appeared to be seated behind the driver in the Lexus, which was part of a two-vehicle convoy.
"There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash," he said.
"Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived. The passenger beside the driver and Joshua died on the spot."
Meanwhile, a friend of the 36-year-old boxer has since confirmed that he is 'ok but badly shaken up' after the collision, while a relative of the boxer said the news of the crash had been a 'shock' to the family.
"We are hoping for his speedy recovery and also the people who passed away - I pray for the departed to rest in peace," the family member, who wished not to be named, told the BBC.
"I am away on a family holiday and awoke to the news of this incident," Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, added in a statement given to MailOnline.
"We are trying to contact Anthony, and in the meantime, we don’t want to speculate on how he is, but thankfully, he appears okay from what I have seen in the images.
"We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course."
Topics: Anthony Joshua
Brenna Cooper