Anthony Joshua has spoken out after he suffered injuries in a fatal car accident in Nigeria that killed two people, with the British boxing star having been taken to hospital following the crash
A heartbroken Anthony Joshua is said to be in pain ‘everywhere’ after suffering injuries in a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends in Nigeria, it is claimed in The Sun. Joshua is currently in a luxury hospital in Lagos, where he is expected to remain until the New Year after escaping with just injuries.
The former heavyweight champion was said to be doing OK, but as per claims from sources, he has said: “I feel pain all over my body,” amid earlier reports that his injuries were worse than first feared and could impact his boxing career.
The 36-year-old, who is yet to make his first comment since the tragic accident, was travelling in a Lexus Jeep that collided with a stationary truck on the busy highway on Monday morning. Police are said to believe that the horrific car crash was triggered by a tyre blowout “due to excessive speed.”
The same Sun report, meanwhile, claims that Joshua had searing pain in his knees and cried out in agony as he was taken from the wreckage of the Lexus 4×4. However, tests revealed no fractures.
He suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, while two others in the vehicle died, police confirmed. The two victims have been identified as Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
They were close companions of Joshua’s and served as key members of his team. Ayodele was the Brit’s personal trainer while Ghami worked as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for over a decade.
It is said that insiders fear the grief and mental scars from the tragedy could put potential fights next year in doubt. Joshua has been lined up for a long-awaited showdown with his bitter UK rival Tyson Fury, but that fight may not now happen.
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 in a phone call to the hospital where the British boxer was taken following the accident.
Tinubu, who is currently out of the country, said he had offered his condolences to Joshua following the death 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, who is 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 shared in a post on Instagram. “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 since the tragic news of the accident, revealing that he is yet to locate his nephew after visiting several 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 said.
“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.”
