Anthony Joshua, the British former world heavyweight boxing champion, was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria on December 29, 2025, that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members. The 36-year-old boxing star survived with minor injuries and is currently in stable condition in a hospital in Nigeria, but the shocking loss has rocked the boxing world and his global fanbase.
What Happened in the Crash?
The accident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, around midday local time. According to authorities and traffic safety officials, Anthony Joshua was inside a black Lexus SUV with four other men when the vehicle lost control, presumably while overtaking another vehicle at high speed, and collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
Preliminary investigations by Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggest that the vehicle may have been traveling above the legal speed limit, with wrongful overtaking and excessive speed listed as likely contributing factors in the crash.
Who Was Driving the Vehicle?
As of the latest official updates, it has not been confirmed who was driving the Lexus SUV at the time of the crash. Investigations are ongoing, and police authorities have not publicly identified the driver’s name. Some reports indicate that the driver survived the collision and was taken to hospital, but their identity — whether a friend, a hired local driver, or a member of Joshua’s security detail — has not been officially disclosed.
Given the vehicle’s speed and the dangerous overtaking maneuver, authorities are continuing their inquiries as part of broader safety and highway rules investigations.
Friends and Team Members Who Died
The two men killed in the accident were later identified as close friends and long-time associates of Anthony Joshua:
1. Latif “Latz” Ayodele
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Role: Personal trainer and close friend of Anthony Joshua.
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Ayodele had been with Joshua for many years and played a major role in his personal fitness and preparation routines.
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Hours before the crash, Joshua and Ayodele were seen together on social media enjoying some leisure time, highlighting their close bond.
2. Sina Ghami
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Role: Strength and conditioning coach.
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Ghami was an integral part of Joshua’s training team and contributed to his physical readiness for major fights, including his most recent bout.
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He was also a co-founder of the Evolve Gym in London and had experience working with other high-profile athletes.
Both men were described as integral members of Joshua’s camp and close personal friends, not merely hired staff. Their deaths have drawn widespread condolences from the boxing world and beyond.
Anthony Joshua’s Condition and Reaction
After the crash, footage circulated showing Joshua being pulled from the wreckage and taken to receive medical attention. Officials have stated that he sustained only minor injuries and is medically stable, though he has been kept under observation in a Nigerian hospital.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, issued statements expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the two friends and asking for privacy for the families during this difficult time.
Global Reaction and Condolences
The tragic accident has prompted an outpouring of sympathy:
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Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally offered condolences and spoke with Joshua about the tragedy.
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Fans, fellow athletes, and fighters from around the world have shared messages of support for Joshua and the bereaved families.
Conclusion
The Anthony Joshua car crash has left the sporting world mourning the loss of two trusted companions while celebrating the boxer’s survival. Critical questions about who was driving remain under official investigation, with authorities examining the precise causes and sequence of events. What’s clear is the depth of the tragedy and the profound impact it has had on Joshua and those close to him.
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