Fury, Paul, Klitschko mourn victims of Joshua crash

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has sent his condolences following a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of Anthony Joshua’s team and left the British boxer injured. The accident occurred on Monday morning along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in southwest Nigeria. Joshua’s promoter confirmed that two of his “close […]

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has sent his condolences following a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of Anthony Joshua’s team and left the British boxer injured.

The accident occurred on Monday morning along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in southwest Nigeria. Joshua’s promoter confirmed that two of his “close friends and team members,” Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, died in the crash, while Joshua was taken to hospital “for checks and treatment.”

Reacting to the incident, Fury wrote on his Instagram page: “This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven.” His message came shortly after he reignited speculation about a return to boxing by posting a photograph of himself with one of his sons and nephews wearing T-shirts that read: “I’m back.”

Joshua, a British national of Nigerian heritage, had earlier called out Fury after securing a sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix-backed bout in Miami this month. However, Monday’s tragedy is expected to further delay any potential “Battle of Britain” showdown.

Paul also reacted on social media, posting on X: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

Images circulating online showed a shirtless Joshua seated inside the damaged vehicle, surrounded by shattered glass. His promoter later said: “He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation,” adding, “Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”

Police said the crash happened around 11:00 am local time in Makun. Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps stated the Lexus Joshua was travelling in “suspected” excess of the speed limit and collided with a truck during an overtaking manoeuvre.

Ayodele, known as Latz, was Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami served as his strength and conditioning coach. Former champion Wladimir Klitschko also paid tribute, writing: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about AJ and his close-knit group of friends… My heart goes out to him.”