Anthony Joshua is reportedly in pain after the former world heavyweight champion 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 throughout his body following a devastating car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. Joshua remains in a private hospital in Lagos, where he is anticipated to stay until the New Year after narrowly escaping with injuries.
The former heavyweight boxing champion was initially thought to be in reasonable condition, but the Sun report he has stated: “I feel pain all over my body,” with earlier reports indicating his injuries may be more severe than initially thought and could potentially affect his boxing career.
The 36 year old, who has yet to publicly address the tragic incident, was a passenger in a Lexus Jeep that struck a stationary lorry on the busy motorway on Monday morning. Police sources believe the catastrophic collision was caused by a tyre burst “due to excessive speed.”
The same Sun report claims Joshua experienced intense pain in his knees and cried out in distress as he was extracted from the wreckage of the Lexus 4×4. Fortunately, scans showed no broken bones.
He sustained minor injuries and was transported to hospital for medical care, whilst two other passengers in the vehicle tragically died, police have confirmed. The two victims have been named as Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
Both were close associates of Joshua’s and formed integral parts of his team. Ayodele served as the Brit’s personal trainer whilst Ghami had worked as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade.
Sources close to the situation suggest the emotional trauma and psychological impact from the tragedy may cast doubt over planned bouts for next year. A highly anticipated clash between Joshua and his long-standing British adversary Tyson Fury had been in the pipeline, though this fixture now hangs in the balance.
Nigeria’s President confirmed on Monday that Joshua’s mother had travelled to the hospital to be by her son’s side. In a statement, Bola Ahmed Tinubu revealed he had telephoned both Joshua and his mother at the medical facility where the British fighter was receiving treatment following the incident.
Speaking from abroad, Tinubu said he had expressed his sympathies to Joshua after the deaths of his friends Ghami and Ayodele.
He said: “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 outfit Matchroom, was amongst those who offered condolences when the heartbreaking news of their passing emerged. “With the heaviest of hearts,” he wrote 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 following the devastating news of the crash, disclosing that he has been unable to find his nephew despite visiting multiple 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 explained.
“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.”
