British former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured on Monday in a fatal road accident in Ogun State that claimed the lives of two people, Nigerian authorities have confirmed.
The crash occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, according to the Ogun State Police Command, which said Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Police confirmed that Joshua’s vehicle collided with another car, resulting in multiple casualties. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said five men were involved in the accident. Two people died at the scene, Joshua suffered minor injuries, while two others escaped unhurt.
In a statement, the FRSC disclosed that preliminary findings indicate excessive speed and wrongful overtaking may have caused the crash. According to the agency, the vehicle conveying Joshua reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake and crashed into a stationary truck parked by the roadside
“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the FRSC said in a post on X.
The agency added that rescue operatives responded promptly to the incident and ensured the injured were taken to nearby medical facilities.
Joshua, 36, could not be reached for immediate comment as of press time.
The former heavyweight champion, who is of British-Nigerian heritage, has strong ties to Nigeria. He attended a boarding school in Ikenne, Ogun State—about 53 miles from the crash site—before relocating to the United Kingdom at the age of 12.
The accident comes barely a week after Joshua returned to the ring with a knockout victory over American social media personality Jake Paul in the sixth round of a high-profile bout in Miami.
The fight marked Joshua’s comeback after a 15-month layoff from professional boxing. He is widely expected to face long-time rival and fellow Briton Tyson Fury in a potential blockbuster bout in 2026.
Authorities said further details would be released as investigations continue.