Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car accident in Nigeria on Monday that left two other passengers dead. Joshua, a Nigerian-British national, was also injured and is currently receiving medical treatment.The accident was confirmed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, through a post on X. He said rescue workers were sent to the crash site immediately after the incident. Local media reports later said Joshua was taken to hospital, although there are few details about his condition. The exact cause of the accident has not yet been published.Images widely shared on social media showed a damaged vehicle and Anthony Joshua being pulled out by emergency responders. In the photos, the boxer appeared to be in visible pain as he was helped out of the wreckage. The accident occurred on a busy road that connects Ogun State with Lagos, Nigeria’s main economic hub. This stretch of road is known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents.Police officials also confirmed Joshua’s hospitalization.The police chief of the local station where the accident occurred told the Associated Press: “Anthony Joshua is at an undisclosed hospital receiving treatment for his injuries.” He added that he had no further details about the nature or severity of the injuries.Nigeria has deep personal meaning for Joshua. It is his parents’ homeland and he spent a short part of his childhood there. Joshua attended boarding school in Nigeria when he was around 11 years old and has often spoken proudly about his Nigerian roots.The accident occurred just days after Joshua returned to the ring. Nine days ago he defeated YouTuber-boxer Jake Paul in a high-profile fight in Miami. This fight was part of his effort to regain form and confidence as he prepares for a possible return to the top of the heavyweight division. Joshua lost his 2021 world title to Oleksandr Usyk and has been working towards another title shot ever since.Joshua is also reportedly in talks for a long-awaited fight against fellow British boxer Tyson Fury in 2026. However, the focus remains on his recovery for now as fans around the world await updates on his health.
