Anthony Joshua is in pain all over his body after a car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends, with his boxing career now in doubt.

Anthony Joshua in the aftermath of the crash (Image: X)

Boxing champion Anthony Joshua is said to be suffering pain across his entire body following a horrific car crash in Nigeria, which tragically killed two of his close friends. Joshua remains under care at a private hospital in Lagos, where he is expected to remain until the New Year, after surviving with injuries.

The former heavyweight world champion is believed to be in a stable condition, but The Sun claim that he has said: “I feel pain all over my body,” with earlier accounts suggesting his injuries may be more serious than first believed and could potentially impact his boxing future.

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The 36-year-old, who has not yet spoken publicly about the devastating incident, was travelling as a passenger in a Lexus Jeep which collided with a stationary lorry on the congested motorway on Monday morning. Police suspect the fatal crash resulted from a tyre burst “due to excessive speed.”

Joshua is said to have felt severe pain in his knees and cried out in agony as he was pulled from the Lexus 4×4. Thankfully, scans revealed no fractured bones.

He suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, whilst two other passengers in the vehicle sadly lost their lives, police have confirmed. The two victims have been identified as Kevin Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Both individuals were trusted members of Joshua’s inner circle and played crucial roles within his team. Ayodele worked as the British boxer’s personal trainer, whilst Ghami had been his strength and conditioning coach for over a decade.

A much-anticipated showdown between Joshua and his long-time rival, Tyson Fury, had been under discussion, although this bout now remains uncertain.

Nigeria’s President confirmed on Monday that Joshua’s mother had travelled to the hospital to support her son. In a statement, Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed that he had telephoned both Joshua and his mother at the medical facility where the British boxer was undergoing treatment following the incident.

Tinubu offered his condolences to Joshua following the deaths of his friends Ghami and Ayodele.

He said: “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital.

Sina Ghami (left) with Anthony Joshua and Kevin “Latif / Latz” Ayodele (right) (Image: healthy_mindset/Instagram)

“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.

“Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.”

Eddie Hearn, chairman of Joshua’s promotional company Matchroom, was among those who expressed their condolences when the tragic news of their passing broke. “With the heaviest of hearts,” he penned in an Instagram post.

“Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”

Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has also spoken out following the devastating news of the crash, revealing that he has been unable to locate his nephew despite visiting numerous hospitals.

“We did not know on time that he was involved in an accident, it was really a rude shock to the family because this is not the first time he would be coming to see his family in Sagamu,” he explained.

“Anthony Joshua can even come home up to three, four times in a year. We felt so bad because this is the end of the year period which is usually use to rejoice and bond with one another, it is really quite unfortunate.

“The sad news actually jolted Sagamu community and up till now everyone is still in shock. People have kept calling the family members to sympathise with us and get updates”.

“Since the incident happened, we have been rallying round to see if it is possible to get to see our son but that has been impossible because of his status, we don’t know the hospital he was taken to and we can understand that such is being done to protect him being a world figure.

“However, we have been in touch with his father and mother who are also in Nigeria and they have assured us that Joshua is fine. We are also thinking that it will be fine if they allow even if it just three of the family members to see him, we are all eager to see him but we will still respect the wish of the authority to keep him safe for now.”