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Authorities Issue Update On Anthony Joshua Crash As More Devastating Details Emerge
New details have emerged after a fatal car crash that hospitalized Anthony Joshua and killed two of his crew.
Joshua was being driven through Nigeria when the Lexus SUV he was traveling in collided with a stationary commercial lorry, leaving his longtime trainer Latif Ayodele and conditioning coach Sina Ghami dead at the scene.
The pair had worked with the former heavyweight champion for years and were widely regarded as integral to both his success in the ring and his life outside it.
Joshua, 36, was rushed to hospital following the collision.
Now, police have issued an update on the crash as new information has come to light.
Images show extent of the damage
Newly released images from the scene underline the severity of the crash.
The black SUV, which was carrying Joshua and his teammates, was left almost unrecognizable on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, with extensive structural damage visible.
Joshua was seen being escorted away by emergency responders.
Officials confirmed that five people were involved in the collision. Photos showed the car wrecked with its doors torn away and the roof crushed.
A Mitsubishi believed to be traveling as part of Joshua’s convoy was seen nearby without visible damage.
Anthony Joshua’s family speaks out after crash
The crash has also sent shockwaves through Joshua’s family, who were preparing to welcome him for the New Year.
A relative said the boxer had been expected to visit, as they had not seen him during the holiday season.
They added: “We are hoping for his speedy recovery and also the people who passed away – I pray for the departed to rest in peace.”
Joshua’s mom has reportedly rushed to be by his side while he receives treatment at Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, recognized as Nigeria’s best private hospital for the past two years.
In the hours leading up to the collision, Joshua had posted a video to Instagram showing himself and Ayodele playing table tennis. Ghami had also recently shared social media updates from Lagos.
Former heavyweight champ ‘narrowly escaped death’
A joint statement from the Ogun and Lagos state governments later confirmed Joshua was conscious and stable and had been in contact with his family.
The statement said he ‘narrowly escaped death’ and that a ‘comprehensive investigation’ would take place.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also expressed his condolences, wishing the boxer a ‘full and speedy recovery.’
He wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.”
Sources suggest boxer’s injuries could be worse than originally thought
Joshua was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. While his injuries were initially described as minor, the Daily Mail reports that people close to the boxer are concerned the damage could be more serious than first suggested.
According to one source within his inner circle, there are fears he may have suffered rib and knee injuries, although officials in Nigeria have downplayed the severity.
Earlier this month, Joshua competed in an exhibition bout against Jake Paul, winning by knockout. Following that fight, he publicly challenged longtime rival Tyson Fury.
That potential showdown could now be in doubt if Joshua’s injuries prove more significant than currently publicized.
A spokesperson for the boxer stated on Monday evening: “Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”
Police issue update on fatal crash
Authorities have a new theory regarding what caused the tragedy.
The Federal Road Safety Corps initially suggested the Lexus may have been speeding and crashed while attempting to overtake another vehicle.
However, Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi of Nigeria’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) later said preliminary findings indicate the SUV was traveling from Lagos toward Sagamu when it ‘experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed’ before it ‘lost control.’
Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo echoed that assessment, telling ESPN: “The accident happened as a result of a burst tyre on AJ’s vehicle, which caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle to swerve into the stationary lorry parked along the road.”
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