Boxer Anthony Joshua injured in car crash that kills two in Nigeria – National

Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian boxer and former world heavyweight champion, was involved in a car accident that killed two other passengers in Nigeria on Monday, according to local authorities.

The Lagos state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotoso, and the special adviser on information and strategy, Kayode Akinmade, confirmed the incident on the X website, writing that, “The accident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Makun in Ogun State, and claimed the lives of two people.”

“Anthony Joshua and three others were reportedly traveling from Lagos to Sagamu at the time of the incident,” said Omotoso.

Initial reports indicate that two foreign men died on the spot, according to Omotoso.

“Anthony Joshua and the driver of the car were quickly rescued by the security guards who were accompanying his convoy and rushed to the hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” Omotoso wrote.

According to Omotoso’s statement, a sports car carrying passengers collided with a truck parked on the highway.

“The Ogun State Government describes the incident as very sad and painful, especially with the loss of precious lives, while others are injured in various degrees and receiving medical attention,” Omotoso added.

According to a statement to the Associated Press by Olusegun Ogungbemide, the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the initial investigation shows that the car “was traveling over the legal limit on the tunnel, lost control when it overturned and crashed into a parked truck that was full on the side of the road.”

Pictures and videos on social media show the 36-year-old boxer writhing in pain as he was pulled from the wrecked car.

“Anthony Joshua is in an undisclosed hospital being treated for his injuries,” Lanre Ogunlowo, the Ogun state police commissioner, told the Associated Press. He said he did not have any other details about the injuries.

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Nigeria is the country of Joshua’s parents. Joshua recently knocked out boxer-turned-YouTuber Jake Paul in Round 6 of their heavyweight fight on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, breaking the YouTuber’s jaw in the process.

“It took longer than we expected but the right hand finally got where it was going,” said Joshua after the fight. “Jake Paul did really well tonight. I’ll give him his props. He always gets up. I give Jake respect for trying and trying. He came up with a real fighter tonight.”

“As we saw tonight, Jake has spirit,” Joshua said. “He’s got some heart and I take my hat off to him.”

With the victory, Joshua can regain the heavyweight title he lost against Oleksandr Usyk.

– in files from the Associated Press

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