A new report has suggested that some of the injuries Anthony Joshua sustained after being involved in a car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his friends could be ‘worse’ than first thought.
Initial reports claimed that Joshua suffered minor injuries while travelling in a Lexus that collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Nigeria, on Monday (December 29).
Sadly, two of his closest friends - Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele - died and were pronounced dead at the scene, while Joshua was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remains in a stable condition while undergoing further observations.
Another male was taken to the hospital for treatment after the crash. In total, five adult males were involved in the crash, with photographs of the aftermath showing the black Lexus severely damaged.
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A spokesperson speaking on behalf of Joshua described Ghami and Ayodele as “integral members of Anthony’s team” as well as close friends. A statement also urged people to respect the victims' respective families at this time.
Joshua has yet to publicly address the incident, but Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu explained how he had spoken to the boxer to offer his condolences over his loss.
"I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care," he said.
Earlier investigations into the incident appear to suggest the Lexus “experienced a tyre burst” which may have occurred due to “excessive speed”, which caused a loss of control of the vehicle.
Little is known about Joshua’s current condition, although on Monday, the Mail spoke to local police who maintained that his injuries were ‘minor’.
However, a later report from the Mail was published early on Tuesday and suggested that “sources close to the fighter now say they fear the damage could be more severe” than first thought.
The outlet claims that “the possibility of rib and knee injury” was put forward by a source allegedly close to Joshua’s “inner circle”.
It must be noted that the extent of Joshua’s injuries have yet to be confirmed by official parties such as his promoter or management.
SPORTbible has contacted Anthony Joshua’s representatives for comment.
The crash came just over a week on from AJ’s knockout victory against Jake Paul in Miami, with the Brit heavily linked with a bout against Tyson Fury in 2026.
Fury and his father, John, both paid tribute to Joshua’s friends on social media on Tuesday.
It is unclear how Joshua’s injuries or the loss of his friends will impact his boxing career.
Several tributes began pouring in after the tragic incident with Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn saying the two dead were "great men".
Topics: Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Nigeria, Injury, Tyson Fury, Jake Paul
Luke Davies