World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death following a tragic road accident in Lagos on Monday, December 29, 2025, which claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
Joshua sustained only minor injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital, where he received treatment before being discharged on New Year’s Eve.
He is currently recuperating at home and has yet to make a public statement on the incident.
The driver of the vehicle, Olalekan Abiodun, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
Through his lawyer, Abiodun pleaded not guilty, maintaining that the crash was an accident caused by brake failure.
Driver’s Side Of The Story
According to the driver’s account, Joshua’s survival was the result of a last-minute decision made just before the journey began.
The trip reportedly started in Lagos with Joshua initially seated in the front passenger seat.
However, moments before departure, the driver asked Anthony Joshua to change seats, explaining that his size was obstructing his view of the wing mirror.
Joshua then moved to the back seat behind the driver, while another passenger, identified as Latif, took the front seat.
The two victims of the crash were long-time friends and key members of Joshua’s team.
One served as his strength and conditioning coach, while the other was a trainer who had worked closely with the boxer over the years.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute to the deceased, describing them as loyal and energetic individuals who played important roles in Joshua’s professional journey.
Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was in Nigeria on holiday following his recent victory in Miami.
In a joint statement with Ogun State, Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso confirmed that Joshua was clinically fit and had been cleared to recover from home.
The statement also revealed that Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay their final respects to the two departed friends as preparations were made for their repatriation.
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