Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been hospitalized following a serious car accident in Nigeria on Monday, December 29, 2025. The tragic incident claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members.
THE ACCIDENT
The collision occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State near Lagos at approximately 11 AM local time. Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle suffered a burst tire, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle subsequently swerved across the road and crashed into a stationary truck parked along the expressway.
According to preliminary investigations by Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the vehicle was traveling beyond the legal speed limit when the driver attempted an overtaking maneuver. The high-speed impact of the collision was severe, with emergency responders finding the SUV with shattered windows and significant structural damage.
TWO LIVES LOST
The tragic aftermath of the accident saw two of Joshua’s team members and close friends losing their lives. Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, who were in the vehicle with the boxer, tragically passed away at the scene. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through Joshua’s team and the broader boxing community.
Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promoter, released a statement expressing profound sadness at the loss: “With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.”
JOSHUA’S CONDITION
The 36-year-old boxer, who was seated in the back of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries from the crash. Emergency medical services responded quickly to the scene, and Joshua was transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Medical professionals have confirmed that Joshua is in stable condition and does not require emergency medical intervention at this time. He is expected to remain hospitalized for observation and continued treatment of his injuries.
CONTEXT
This tragic incident occurred just ten days after Joshua’s high-profile victory against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19, 2025, in Miami. Joshua had won the fight via sixth-round knockout, with the bout attracting approximately 33 million viewers on Netflix.
The boxer, who is of Nigerian heritage, had been visiting Nigeria following his recent bout. His parents are British-Nigerian, and Joshua spent time in boarding school in the country at age 11.
INVESTIGATION ONGOING
Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed that investigations into the accident are underway. Local authorities are examining the exact circumstances that led to the burst tire and the vehicle’s loss of control.
The Federal Road Safety Corps indicated that preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was traveling at excessive speeds on the expressway at the time of the collision, contributing to the severity of the accident.
The sports world continues to rally around Joshua during this difficult time, sending their condolences to him, his family, and the families of the two men who lost their lives in this tragic accident. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving practices.
