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Images circulating online showed a shirtless Anthony Joshua, a British national of Nigerian heritage, amidst broken window glass on the seats around him.
Anthony Joshua was himself injured in the crash. (AP/IG/tysonfury)
Tyson Fury has expressed his condolences following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of Anthony Joshua’s team and left the former world heavyweight boxing champion injured. The incident occurred on Monday morning on the main road between Lagos and Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria.
Joshua’s promoter confirmed that the boxer’s “close friends and team members,” Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, lost their lives in the crash, and Joshua himself was taken to the hospital “for checks and treatment.”
Fury, who has been rumoured to reverse his retirement for a ‘Battle of Britain’ fight against Joshua in 2026, posted on Instagram: “This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven.”
Earlier, Fury, known as the ‘Gypsy King,’ fuelled speculation of a return to the ring by posting a photograph on social media of himself and his sons and nephews wearing T-shirts that read: “I’m back.”
Joshua, a British national with Nigerian heritage, had recently challenged Fury after achieving a sixth-round knockout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix-sponsored bout in Miami earlier this month.
However, Monday’s accident will likely delay the long-awaited bout between Joshua and Fury. Paul commented on the situation in an X post, saying: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Images circulating online showed a shirtless Joshua, a British national of Nigerian heritage, amidst broken window glass on the seats around him.
“He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation,” said a statement from his promoter. “Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
The accident occurred around 11:00 am local time (1000 GMT) in the town of Makun along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, according to police.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) stated that the Lexus Joshua was in “was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck… by the side of the road.”
A witness, Kunle, disputed this account, telling AFP: “The truck was not stationary when the accident happened.”
Joshua’s family is from southwest Nigeria, and he is known to visit the region frequently.
Ayodele, also known as Latz, was Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami served as his strength and conditioning coach.
Former world champion Wladimir Klitschko, who was stopped by Joshua in the 11th round at Wembley Stadium in 2017, shared his condolences on X, stating: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about AJ and his close-knit group of friends. Having had the pleasure of engaging in an unforgettable battle with AJ, I’ve always regarded him as a true class act who commands my utmost respect. My heart goes out to him, and I wish him and his loved ones all the best during this difficult time.”
With AFP Inputs
December 30, 2025, 8:20 PM IST
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