36-Year-Old British Boxing Champion Joshua Survives Car Crash in Nigeria; Two Close Friends Die

On December 29, 2025, 36-year-old former British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a severe car accident in Lagos, Nigeria. Photos from the scene quickly circulated worldwide, showing his black Lexus with a crumpled front, detached bumper, and lifted hood, indicating a powerful collision. Joshua was visibly in pain when pulled from the car but reportedly sustained only minor injuries.

Tragically, two of Joshua’s closest companions—his strength coach Sina Ghami and sparring partner Kevin Ayodele—lost their lives in the crash. Witnesses reported that after hitting a parked truck, the occupants in the front passenger and rear passenger seats were killed instantly. Early reports suggest the car lost control during overtaking. Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps cited speeding and mishandling as serious traffic violations.

Joshua has deep ties to Nigeria, visiting every Christmas for family and charity work. He was traveling with his two friends, who had shared joyful moments playing table tennis just hours before the crash. Joshua’s team confirmed the deaths and requested privacy for the grieving families.

A decorated athlete, Joshua won the super-heavyweight gold at the 2012 London Olympics, claimed his first IBF heavyweight title in 2016, and unified four major belts in 2017. Recently, he defeated “influencer boxer” Jake Paul. Paul also expressed condolences, stating: “Life is far more important than boxing. My prayers go out to the lost lives, AJ, and everyone affected by this tragedy.”