Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a devastating car accident in Nigeria on Monday that claimed the lives of two members of his close team. The 36-year-old British-Nigerian boxer was traveling in a Lexus SUV on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, his ancestral hometown, when tragedy struck around 11 a.m. local time.
According to reports, a burst tire caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which then collided with a stationary truck parked along the road. Joshua, who was seated in the back of the SUV, sustained minor injuries and was immediately transported to a specialist medical facility in Lagos.
Matchroom Boxing, Joshua's promoter, confirmed that the boxer is in stable condition and does not require emergency interventions at this time. He will remain under observation at the facility. However, the accident tragically took the lives of Sina Ghami, Joshua's strength and conditioning coach, and Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer. Both men were described as close friends of the boxer who frequently traveled with him in Nigeria.
Just hours before the accident, Joshua had posted a video to his Instagram story showing him playing ping pong with Ayodele, making the loss even more poignant for those following the boxer's journey.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reached out personally to Joshua and his mother to express condolences. The president said he prayed with Joshua and wished him a full and speedy recovery.
The boxing world also rallied around Joshua, with Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated just over a week ago in a high-profile bout, posting a message of support. Paul wrote that life is much more important than boxing and that he was praying for everyone impacted by the tragic accident.
The incident comes at what should have been a triumphant moment for Joshua, fresh off his victory against Paul. Instead, the champion finds himself mourning the loss of two men who were integral parts of his career and personal life.
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