Renowned boxer Anthony Joshua has found himself at the center of a tragic incident just days after a major victory in the ring.

According to a report by the Daily Caller, Joshua was involved in a deadly car accident on Monday in Makun, Ogun State, Nigeria. The collision occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway around 11 a.m., claiming two lives.

The accident took place mere days after Joshua’s impressive win against Jake Paul in a heavyweight bout on December 19 in Miami, Florida, where he knocked out his opponent in the sixth round. Details of the crash are still emerging, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

Tragic Collision on Nigerian Highway

The incident involved Joshua’s Lexus SUV, which reportedly collided with a stationary truck on the highway. Adeniyi Orojo, a staff member from a local news outlet who witnessed the crash, noted that Joshua was seated behind the driver with another passenger beside him.

There were four occupants in the Lexus at the time of the accident, while Joshua’s security detail followed in a separate vehicle. Orojo confirmed that two individuals, the passenger beside the driver and the person next to Joshua, lost their lives at the scene.

Video footage of the wreckage has been circulating widely online, showing the severity of the crash. Joshua, who sustained minor injuries, was seen being carried out of the vehicle in visible pain but is reportedly in stable condition.

Eyewitness Account of the Rescue

Orojo described the immediate aftermath, stating that he and other bystanders quickly stepped in to assist with the rescue efforts. They flagged down passing vehicles to help those trapped in the wreckage before emergency services arrived.

“A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived,” Orojo shared with local media. His account highlighted the urgency and chaos at the scene as they worked to save lives.

The eyewitness emphasized the tragic outcome, underscoring the loss of two individuals on the spot. The community and authorities are now focused on understanding how the collision occurred.

Joshua’s Condition and Promoter’s Response

Following the accident, Joshua was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Local police confirmed his transfer to the BBC, though specific details about his injuries remain limited at this time.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed concern while awaiting further information. “We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate on how he is but thankfully he appears okay from what I have seen in the images,” Hearn told a British outlet.

Hearn assured that updates would be provided as soon as more details are available. The boxing community and fans alike are anxiously waiting for news of Joshua’s recovery.

Lessons to Learn

1. Always Use Convoy Caution: Even with security vehicles, transit on busy highways carries inherent risks. Anyone traveling with a group should ensure all vehicles in the convoy maintain communication to respond to emergencies effectively.

2. Highway Dangers Don’t Discriminate: The presence of a stationary truck on a major expressway raises questions about infrastructure and road monitoring. Drivers and passengers alike should remain vigilant on highways, especially in regions where road enforcement is inconsistent.

3. Prepare for the Unexpected: Even with fame and precautions, tragedy can strike anyone. This story reminds us not to blame victims of accidents, as circumstances beyond their control often play a decisive role.

Why This Story Matters

This incident involves one of the world’s most recognizable athletes and highlights both the fragility of life and the risks faced by travelers, even those surrounded by precautionary measures. The story also underlines infrastructure and traffic safety concerns in Nigeria, raising the need for attention and investment in public safety on major roadways. By bringing global attention to the dangers encountered, the story serves as an urgent wake-up call for authorities and civilians alike to prioritize safe transit measures.

Anthony Joshua’s brush with death on December 29, 2025, came just 10 days after his victory over Jake Paul in Miami. The heavyweight champion was in a Lexus SUV that collided with a parked truck in Ogun State, Nigeria. Of the four people in the vehicle, two died on the spot; Joshua walked away with minor injuries. The cause of the crash, which occurred in a two-vehicle convoy at 11 a.m., is still under investigation by Nigerian officials. Community members and journalists played a role in rescue efforts before emergency responders arrived. The tragic event marks a sobering pause in what should have been a triumphant homecoming for one of boxing’s biggest names. He is currently recovering and is expected to return to the ring against Tyson Fury in 2026.