Briefly
According to Reuters, citing local police, on Monday, December 29, British boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a road accident in Nigeria’s Ogun State. Two people were killed in the collision, and Joshua himself was taken to hospital with minor injuries. The news is important not so much as a sensation as for the ring connections and the safety questions it raises.
What happened
Reuters reports that Joshua’s vehicle — a Lexus SUV — collided with a truck that was stationary on an expressway near the town of Makun at around 11:00. Police are investigating the cause of the crash, and details about the identities of the deceased have not yet been released. The Nigerian publication Punch confirms the location and time of the incident.
The 36-year-old boxer suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. There are currently no official comments from his team.
🚨DEVELOPING STORYAnthony Joshua reportedly involved in a car crash in Ogun State. pic.twitter.com/BSr9ANgpH6
— @OneJoblessBoy, tweet
What witnesses are saying
Videos and posts have appeared on social media criticizing the lack of rapid response by services on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway. One video claims that Joshua was taken from the scene, but there was no ambulance for a long time.
Anthony Joshua has now been removed and on his way to the hospital. Video below. Still no sign of ambulance. The Nigerian Government doesn't value people's lives. How would there be no accident response unit in Lagos-Ibadan expressway? pic.twitter.com/oEj6HoRn5W
— EngrMideh4Truth (@wandypee), tweet
Context for Ukrainian readers
Joshua fought twice against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk: on 25 September 2021 and in the rematch in August 2022 — both fights ended with Joshua losing on points. Recently Joshua returned to the ring after a 15-month hiatus and knocked out Jake Paul in Miami.
For Ukrainian boxing these matches are an important part of the international narrative: Joshua’s losses to Usyk changed the balance of power in the heavyweight division and affected plans of major promoters. Therefore any events surrounding the high-profile athlete attract attention, but there is currently no reason to talk about canceling future fights — that will depend on medical findings and the decisions of the teams.
Analysis and consequences
1) The investigation is ongoing — official police conclusions are important for understanding the causes of the crash.
2) Joshua’s medical condition is currently described as stable with minor injuries; this is a key factor for the sporting calendar.
3) Social reactions raise the broader issue of road safety and the responsiveness of emergency services in Nigeria — a topic that goes beyond sport.
Conclusion
The news about Anthony Joshua’s crash combines sporting interest with public safety concerns. For Ukrainian fans the key is to keep realistic expectations: follow official statements from Reuters and the athletes’ teams, and remember that the ring and life are different things. Next steps depend on medical findings and the official investigation.
