Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday, which resulted in the death of two passengers and left Joshua with minor injuries, according to several reports. The accident took place near Sagamu around 11 a.m. local time, and authorities are currently investigating the details of the incident.
Local police confirmed that Joshua was seated in the back of a Lexus SUV that crashed, and while he only suffered minor injuries, two other passengers died at the scene. Lagos State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, shared an image on social media showing Joshua standing outside the accident site and noted that emergency services responded promptly. Joshua was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Joshua had traveled to Nigeria, his parents’ homeland, just about a week ago. He is planning a comeback to boxing, with promoter Eddie Hearn mentioning a potential fight against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in late February or early March. A possible match against fellow former British heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is also anticipated for late 2026.
However, the timeline for Joshua’s return depends on the extent of his injuries and the recovery process.
Fan Take: This incident is significant for fight fans because Anthony Joshua remains one of the most prominent figures in heavyweight boxing, and any delay in his return impacts upcoming matchups and the division’s excitement. His recovery and return could shape the heavyweight landscape and set the stage for major bouts, including the highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury.
