Anthony Joshua’s relatives have been unable to visit the boxer at the Lagos hospital where he is recovering from a devastating car crash that killed two of his closest friends.

His uncle Robert confirmed the family has not yet been permitted to see the 36-year-old, but said authorities have provided reassuring updates on his condition.

“We have not been allowed to see him, but from information given by authorities, he is responding to treatment,” Robert Joshua said.

The heavyweight champion is being treated at Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where medical staff describe his condition as stable.

Joshua is expected to remain at the facility until the New Year.

A second uncle, Adedamola Joshua, disclosed that the boxer had arrived in Nigeria fewer than six hours before the fatal accident took place.

The tragedy has left the Joshua family reeling, with Adedamola describing the profound impact on those closest to the fighter.

Anthony Joshua’s relatives have been unable to visit the boxer at the Lagos hospital where he is recovering from a devastating car crash that killed two of his closest friends

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“The incident shook our family deeply. Though our son, Anthony, is alive, two of his friends, who came to celebrate with us, lost their lives,” he said.

He added: “This is a serious tragedy, not only for our family, but for Ogun State, Nigeria, and the world at large. We are deeply saddened that two people very close to Anthony did not survive. Our hearts are with their families.”

The two men who lost their lives were Sina Ghami, who served as Joshua’s coach, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, a personal trainer.

Anthony Joshua appeared dazed in video footage that emerged on social media after his car crash | XBoth were close companions of the British boxing star.

The pair died instantly when their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary lorry on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun.

The route is known for being particularly hazardous.

Ghami and Ayodele had travelled to Nigeria to celebrate with Joshua and his family, making their deaths all the more devastating for those who knew them.

The boxer has spoken of the physical toll the crash has taken on him, stating on Monday: “I feel pain all over my body.”

Anthony Joshua recently beat Jake Paul in Miami, Florida | GETTYThe high-speed collision occurred just 10 days after Joshua had celebrated a triumphant return to the ring, having knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a lucrative bout in the United States.

The victory had marked a significant moment for the British fighter, making the subsequent tragedy in his homeland all the more poignant.

Joshua had travelled to Nigeria to spend time with family over the festive period, but the celebratory visit turned to horror within hours of his arrival.

The accident on the notoriously dangerous Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous homecoming for the heavyweight champion.