The tragedy has now been confirmed following a serious traffic accident in Nigeria in which former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua survived with minor injuries, while two of his close friends and trainers lost their lives. The victims were identified as Sina Ghami and Kevin Ayodele, a fact confirmed by Joshua’s manager, Eddie Hearn, who expressed deep sorrow over the fatal outcome.
The accident occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan highway near the city of Shagamu, close to the home of Joshua’s parents. While the official investigation is still ongoing, local authorities stated that excessive speed and illegal overtaking are believed to have been the primary causes of the crash. These factors reportedly led to the driver losing control of the vehicle.
According to preliminary reports, the Lexus SUV in which the group was traveling was moving at high speed when it collided with a stationary truck on the highway. The impact was severe, leaving the vehicle completely destroyed and highlighting the extreme force of the collision. Anthony Joshua’s survival has been described as an extraordinarily fortunate coincidence.
While the two victims were seated on the right side of the vehicle, the 36-year-old boxer was sitting in the rear left seat, directly behind the driver, who also survived the crash. This seating position is believed to have played a crucial role in saving Joshua’s life. Despite escaping with his life, Joshua appeared visibly affected in the immediate aftermath. Videos circulating online show him being pulled from the wreckage shirtless, his face contorted in pain.
Witnesses reported that he initially appeared unconscious and only gradually regained awareness after being assisted at the scene. Joshua was transported to a nearby hospital for examination and treatment, where he remains in stable condition under medical observation. In a statement released by Eddie Hearn, it was confirmed that the boxer will stay hospitalized for continued monitoring, as investigations proceed and he begins to process the emotional toll of losing two of his closest collaborators.
