Anthony Joshua is said to be in pain ‘everywhere’ after he was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his friends, according to reports
A devastated Anthony Joshua is reportedly experiencing pain ‘everywhere’ following injuries sustained in a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his friends, according to The Sun. Joshua is currently receiving treatment at a luxury hospital in Lagos, where he is expected to stay until the New Year after escaping with injuries.
The former heavyweight champion was initially said to be doing OK, but according to sources, he has stated: “I feel pain all over my body,” with earlier reports suggesting his injuries were more serious than initially thought and could potentially affect his boxing career.
The 36 year old, who has yet to make his first public statement since the tragic incident, was travelling in a Lexus Jeep that collided with a stationary lorry on the busy motorway on Monday morning. Police are believed to think that the horrific crash was caused by a tyre blowout “due to excessive speed.”
The same Sun report claims that Joshua experienced severe pain in his knees and cried out in agony as he was removed from the wreckage of the Lexus 4×4. However, tests showed no fractures.
He sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, whilst two others in the vehicle died, police confirmed. The two victims have been identified as Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami, reports the Mirror.
They were close friends of Joshua’s and served as key members of his team. Ayodele was the Brit’s personal trainer whilst Ghami worked as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for over a decade.
Insiders are reportedly concerned that the emotional trauma from the tragedy could jeopardise potential fights next year. Joshua has been primed for a long-awaited face-off with his UK adversary Tyson Fury, but this bout may now be in doubt.
The President of Nigeria confirmed on Monday that Joshua’s mother had arrived at the hospital to be with her son. Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed in a statement that he had spoken to both Joshua and his mother during a phone call to the hospital where the British boxer was taken after the accident.
Tinubu, who is currently abroad, expressed his condolences to Joshua following the death of his friends Ghami and Ayodele.
He stated: “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital.
“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.
“Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.”
Eddie Hearn, chairman of Joshua’s promotional company Matchroom, was among those to pay tribute to the pair when news of their tragic passing was confirmed.
“With the heaviest of hearts,” he expressed in an Instagram post. “Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has also spoken out following the tragic news of the accident, revealing that he has been unable to find his nephew despite visiting numerous hospitals.
“We did not know on time that he was involved in an accident, it was really a rude shock to the family because this is not the first time he would be coming to see his family in Sagamu,” he stated.
“Anthony Joshua can even come home up to three, four times in a year. We felt so bad because this is the end of the year period which is usually use to rejoice and bond with one another, it is really quite unfortunate.
“The sad news actually jolted Sagamu community and up till now everyone is still in shock. People have kept calling the family members to sympathise with us and get updates”.
“Since the incident happened, we have been rallying round to see if it is possible to get to see our son but that has been impossible because of his status, we don’t know the hospital he was taken to and we can understand that such is being done to protect him being a world figure.
“However, we have been in touch with his father and mother who are also in Nigeria and they have assured us that Joshua is fine. We are also thinking that it will be fine if they allow even if it just three of the family members to see him, we are all eager to see him but we will still respect the wish of the authority to keep him safe for now.”
