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British boxer Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital following a tragic road accident near Lagos that claimed the lives of two of his team members, Nigerian authorities confirmed late Wednesday.
Joshua, the two-time former heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, had been under medical observation at Lagoon Hospital in Lagos since Monday’s crash. According to Lagos state commissioner for information Gbenga Omotoso, Joshua was released Wednesday afternoon after doctors determined he was clinically fit to continue his recovery outside the hospital.
“Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening,” Omotoso said in a statement posted on X.
The fatal accident claimed the lives of Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, a trainer. Just hours before the crash, Joshua and Ayodele had shared social media clips of themselves playing table tennis together, a poignant reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter from Matchroom Boxing, paid tribute to the victims on Instagram Wednesday. “Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time,” Hearn wrote.
The accident occurred around 11 a.m. local time on Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major thoroughfare connecting Ogun state to Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub. Footage circulating on social media showed Joshua being extricated from a severely damaged vehicle while visibly in pain. The boxer’s vehicle reportedly struck a stationary truck on the highway.
Nigeria holds special significance for Joshua, as it is the homeland of his parents. The 34-year-old boxer has maintained strong ties to the country throughout his professional career, often acknowledging his Nigerian heritage.
This accident has intensified concerns about road safety in Nigeria, where traffic fatalities remain alarmingly high. According to data from the country’s Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria recorded 5,421 deaths in 9,570 road accidents in 2024 alone. This represents an increase of 340 fatalities compared to 2023, highlighting the persistent dangers on Nigerian roads.
Poor road infrastructure, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and limited enforcement of traffic regulations contribute to the nation’s road safety challenges. The expressway where Joshua’s accident occurred is known for its heavy traffic and frequent accidents.
The crash comes just 10 days after Joshua’s high-profile victory over Jake Paul in Miami. That Netflix-broadcast bout saw Joshua knock out the YouTuber-turned-boxer in what was viewed as part of his campaign to return to championship contention. Joshua had been using the fight to improve his fitness as he pursues another shot at top-tier boxing titles.
Joshua’s professional boxing career has seen remarkable highs and challenging lows. After winning Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games, he captured the IBF heavyweight title in 2016 and later added the WBA and WBO belts. Though he lost his titles in a shocking upset to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, he regained them later that year before losing them again to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021.
As Joshua recovers from this traumatic incident, the boxing world watches closely to see how the accident might impact his career trajectory and mental well-being. For now, the focus remains on healing and honoring the memory of his two fallen team members.
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9 Comments
This is such a sad story. My condolences to the families of the victims. I’m glad Joshua was able to be released from the hospital, but the emotional scars from this accident will linger. Wishing him and his team healing and strength.
Well said. Accidents like this are always a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be, even for the most elite athletes. I hope the investigation provides some clarity and that the families find some measure of comfort.
It’s good news that Joshua is physically recovering, but the emotional toll of this accident must be immense. Professional athletes put so much on the line, and incidents like this are a stark reminder of the risks they face.
Tragic news about Anthony Joshua’s accident. Wishing him a full recovery after this horrible incident. My condolences to the families of the two team members who lost their lives.
It’s good to hear that Joshua was released from the hospital and able to pay his respects to his departed colleagues. Road accidents can be so unpredictable and devastating. Hoping for healing and comfort for all affected.
Yes, the loss of life is heartbreaking. Accidents like this underscore the importance of road safety and precautions, especially for high-profile athletes traveling abroad.
My heart goes out to Joshua and his entire team. Losing two colleagues in such a tragic way must be incredibly difficult. Wishing them strength during this challenging time.
Heartbreaking to hear about the loss of life in this tragic accident. My thoughts are with Anthony Joshua and all those affected. Wishing him a full physical and emotional recovery during this incredibly difficult time.
Terrible tragedy. Joshua is fortunate to have survived, but the loss of his teammates is devastating. I hope the investigation provides some answers and that the families find peace and closure.