British boxer Anthony Joshua has escaped with minor injuries after a car crash in Nigeria that left two of his close friends and team members dead.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion is holidaying in Africa following his sixth-round knockout victory over YouTube-turned-boxing superstar Jake Paul in Miami less than a fortnight ago.
The incident happened along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State at 11am local time.
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“The Ogun State Police Command confirms that world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road traffic accident at about 11am in Makun, Ogun State,” a police statement said.
“The vehicle conveying Mr Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. Joshua, seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention with another injured person.
“Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene.”
Joshua’s promoters Matchroom Boxing confirmed “with profound sadness” that Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele had died.
“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,” Matchroom said in the statement.
The statement confirmed Joshua is in a stable condition and will remain in hospital for observation, but did not detail his injuries.
Footage posted online appeared to show a shirtless Joshua looking dazed in the passenger seats of a vehicle among broken glass.
In social media videos from the site of the accident, Joshua can be seen grimacing as he attempts to exit the car wreckage before being taken to hospital.
Local police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo said an investigation into the accident has been ordered.
He told the AP news agency: “Anthony Joshua is in an undisclosed hospital being treated for his injuries.” He added that he had no further information on the injuries.
According to a statement by Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, preliminary investigations indicated the vehicle “to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road”.
Joshua’s recent opponent Jake Paul sent a message of support on social media.
“Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident,” he wrote.
He added later: “RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif / Latz’ Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told Daily Mail Sport he awoke to the news on a family holiday.
“We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate on how he is but thankfully he appears OK from what I have seen in the images,” he said.
“We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”
Joshua’s win over Paul was his 29th win from 33 professional fights and seemed to move him closer to a long-awaited showdown with British rival Tyson Fury, who is currently retired, next year.
The son of British-Nigerian parents, Joshua attended a boarding school in Ikenne, 53 miles from where the crash happened, before returning to Britain aged 12.