The family of world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has expressed deep concern after being unable to reach or visit him following a fatal road accident that occurred on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Speaking in an interview with Punch, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the incident as a “rude shock” to the family, revealing that they only became aware of the crash after receiving multiple calls from friends and well-wishers seeking confirmation.
“Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock,” he said.
“We did not hear about it on time until calls started coming in from people.”
Anthony usually comes home three or four times a year, especially during festive periods, and those moments are always filled with joy. This was completely unexpected.”
According to him, although the family has been in contact with Joshua’s parents, who are also currently in Nigeria, they have not been permitted to visit the boxer at the undisclosed medical facility where he is reportedly receiving treatment.
“We are all eager to see him, even if it is just three of us, but we understand the need to protect him considering his global status,” the uncle added.
The accident claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen.
Expressing grief over the loss, Joshua’s family extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“We are deeply saddened that two people very close to Joshua did not survive. Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones.”
We pray that God grants them the strength to bear this painful loss,” Adedamola Joshua said.
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