Two confirmed dead in Ogun State collision as heavyweight champion escapes with minor injuries following historic knockout win.
What Happened
World-renowned heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident on Monday, December 28, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria. The collision, which occurred around 11:00 AM near the Sagamu Interchange, resulted in the deaths of two individuals at the scene. Joshua, traveling in the back seat of a Lexus SUV, sustained only minor injuries.
According to Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, the accident was caused by a burst tire that caused the vehicle to lose control and collide with a stationary truck. While unverified footage showed a dazed Joshua near the wreckage, his representatives and promoter Eddie Hearn have confirmed he is in stable condition and recovering. The British-Nigerian boxer was in the country for a holiday visit to his ancestral hometown of Sagamu following his recent fight.
Why It Matters
This incident nearly turned a moment of global sporting triumph into tragedy. Just nine days prior, on December 19, Joshua secured a decisive sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami, a high-profile bout broadcast globally on Netflix. That victory re-established Joshua’s dominance in the heavyweight division and ended Paul’s winning streak with a punishing display of technical skill that left the YouTuber with a broken jaw.
For the diaspora and global sports community, the crash highlights:
- The fragility of peak performance: The sudden shift from a career-defining win to a life-threatening event underscores the volatility of athlete life.
- Infrastructure risks: The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a critical but notoriously dangerous artery in Nigeria’s transport network, frequently cited in road safety reports.
- Cultural connection: Joshua’s presence in Ogun State reflects his deep commitment to his Nigerian heritage, a core part of his public identity that resonates with TANTV’s diaspora audience.
What Happens Next
Authorities in Ogun State have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
- Immediate Recovery: Joshua remains under medical observation but is expected to make a full recovery.
- Legal Inquiries: Police will examine the vehicle’s maintenance history and the placement of the stationary truck, a common hazard on Nigerian highways.
- Career Impact: While physical injuries appear minor, the psychological toll of such a traumatic event could impact his training schedule for 2026.
Joshua, 36, maintains family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, and was holidaying in his home country at the time of the incident, following his major victory in Miami
TANTV will continue to monitor official police reports and updates from Joshua’s camp.
