Anthony Joshua: Family finally speaks on horrific crash

The family of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has broken their silence over the road crash that involved the boxer on Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Mr. Adedamola Joshua, an uncle to the boxer, said the news came as a “rude shock” to the family, who only learned of the accident after several calls from well-wishers.

“We did not hear about it on time until calls started coming in from people checking on him. It was really shocking,” he said.

Joshua, who frequently visits Nigeria three to four times a year, was travelling in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck around 11 a.m. The accident claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members.

“We are grateful that Anthony and the driver survived, but we are deeply saddened by the loss of two people very close to him. Our hearts go out to their families,” his uncle added.

The boxer is receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility in Lagos. His parents, also in Nigeria, have assured the family that Joshua is stable.

The deceased have been identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu (36), a Nigerian/British citizen, and Gami Sina (36), a British citizen. Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promoter, confirmed that they were close friends and part of his team.

“Since the incident, we have been trying to see him, but his status as a world figure means his safety comes first. We hope to be allowed to visit soon,” his uncle said.

The crash has left the Sagamu community shaken, with family, friends, and neighbours rallying to support Joshua and the bereaved families.