In a devastating turn of events, former World Heavyweight Champion Anthony ‘AJ’ Joshua, aged 36, was involved in a severe SUV crash on December 29, 2025. The incident occurred on the bustling Lagos-Ibadan expressway, a major route connecting Ogun to the commercial hub of Lagos, Nigeria. Joshua, who had recently triumphed over Jake Paul and was eyeing a super bout with Tyson Fury in 2026, sustained minor injuries while two of his close associates tragically lost their lives.

The crash took place around 11 a.m. local time (5 a.m. EST). Joshua was traveling in the back seat of a black Lexus SUV, accompanied by his security detail in a following vehicle. The SUV, which was carrying four occupants, lost control due to a blown tire during an overtaking maneuver at excessive speed, resulting in a collision with a stationary Sinotruck parked by the roadside.

Among the victims were Joshua’s childhood friend, Kevin Latif Ayodele, and his trusted strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, both of whom were seated in the front and died instantly. Joshua, who has strong family ties in Ogun, was hospitalized in stable condition at a specialized facility in Lagos, suffering only minor bruises.

Babaseyi Boluwatife, a spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, confirmed the fatalities, including the driver of the vehicle. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, revealed that the investigation pointed to excessive speed and a tire blowout as the primary causes of the accident. Photographs from the scene depicted a severely wrecked vehicle surrounded by a crowd of onlookers.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally reached out to Joshua and his mother, Yeta Odusanya, to express his condolences and assure them of the best medical care. President Tinubu stated, “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my sincere condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital. I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.”

The boxing community and fans worldwide are left in shock and mourning following this tragic incident. The anticipated super bout with Tyson Fury, which had generated significant excitement, has been indefinitely postponed. As Joshua recovers from his injuries, the focus remains on his well-being and the support for the families of the deceased.

This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony Joshua, his family, and the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.