Ogun and Lagos state governments have confirmed that world-renowned heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and another passenger involved in a fatal road accident are in stable condition following thorough medical evaluations at a Lagos hospital.
The assurance was contained in a joint statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinlade, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso.
According to the statement, “They were immediately evacuated to a specialized medical facility in Lagos. Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time. A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.”
The statement further confirmed that, “The Governments of Ogun and Lagos states wish to confirm that British-Nigerian two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road traffic accident earlier today along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.”
Reports indicate that the vehicle conveying a team of four, including the 35-year-old boxer, collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the death of two occupants.
Reacting to the tragedy, the two state governments said, “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and pray that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear this difficult loss.”
They also disclosed that Joshua remains conscious and has been in contact with his family since the incident.
“The Governments of Ogun and Lagos states are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have also commenced,” the statement added.
Members of the public were also urged to respect the privacy of the boxer and his family.
“We appreciate the concern shown by members of the public and kindly request privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family at this time.”
The crash occurred on Monday around 11:00 a.m. in the Makun area of Ogun State along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The SUV transporting Joshua reportedly rammed into a stationary truck.
A video circulating on social media captured the moment the former heavyweight champion was rescued from the wreckage, appearing to have sustained injuries.
The incident came barely eight days after Joshua knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix-backed bout held in Miami.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the crash to excessive speed and dangerous overtaking. Preliminary investigations, according to the agency, revealed that the Lexus SUV was likely travelling above the legally permitted speed limit when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and slammed into a parked truck by the roadside.
“The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the FRSC stated.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished Joshua a quick recovery.