BBC Breakfast took an emotional turn on Saturday morning

BBC Breakfast paused for devastating Anthony Joshua update

There are fears Anthony Joshua’s career in boxing could be ‘over’ after a crash that killed his teammates

Charlie Stayt and Emma Vardy on BBC Breakfast

Charlie Stayt and Emma Vardy on BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC)

BOXING-US-PAUL-JOSHUA

Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car crash (Image: Getty)

BBC Breakfast was halted for a devastating update on boxer Anthony Joshua, after he was involved in a fatal car crash that killed both his personal trainer and conditioning coach. Joshua was in Nigeria visiting family over the Christmas period when the vehicle he was travelling in lost control and collided with a parked lorry, causing his two team members to lose their lives.

BBC hosts Nina Warhurst and Ben Thompson paused the programme to offer viewers an update, with one correspondent explaining: “Two of Anthony Joshua’s team members were killed – Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Hours before the crash, Joshua had posted a video on Instagram of himself and Latif Ayodele playing table tennis. He was Joshua’s personal trainer. Sina Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach. They had helped the boxer prepare for some of the biggest bouts of his career.”

He added: “According to investigators, the car they were in appeared to have lost control as it was overtaking another vehicle, before crashing into a truck which was parked by the side of the road.

“Joshua was in Nigeria to visit family following his recent victory over the YouTube star Jake Paul. Paul posted on X: ‘Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident’.”

Elsewhere, the news is more sombre, with sources telling the Daily Mail that “serious doubt” has been cast over Joshua’s bout with Fury next year as the “true extent” of his injuries has allegedly been “understated”.

BBC

BBC Breakfast aired Jake Paul’s tribute to his rival (Image: BBC)

An official statement from Joshua’s team said: “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.”

Joshua and another member of his team were taken to a medical facility in Lagos, Nigeria, but neither needed emergency intervention.

The spokesperson added: “Anthony Joshua is conscious and has been in communication with his family.”