British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is said to be in a “stable” condition after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a crash which claimed the lives of two of his friends, who were also passengers in the car.

The 36-year-old former two-time world champion suffered minor injuries in the collision which occurred as he was sitting in the rear of a black Lexus Jeep in Makun, Ogun State, about 30 miles from Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos, on the way to visit family. 

Long-time friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both also 36, died in the collision with a stationary truck by the side of what is described as a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan express-way at 11am local time. 

Two additional passengers in the vehicle escaped without major injury.

Boxer holidaying

The Watford-born fighter is of Nigerian heritage and attended a boarding school in Ikenne, around 50 miles from where the crash happened, before returning to ‌Britain at the age of 12.

He was holidaying in the Africa nation just 10 days after his successful high-profile bout with Jake Paul in Miami which he won with a sixth round stoppage.

Suspicion of speeding

Nigerian federal road safety corps (FRSC) said preliminary findings indicated the Lexus was “suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed limit” and “lost control” while overtaking before crashing into the truck, which was parked by the side of the road. 

Police believe the accident was triggered by a tyre blowout “due to excessive speed”. 

Vehicle destroyed

Images of the wrecked vehicle were released by Nigerian officials, while a Mitsubishi believed to be part of Joshua’s convoy sat undamaged just yards away. 

Photos show the vehicle’s front was completely destroyed, with its doors ripped off and the roof smashed in.

Some social media footage showed the boxing champ seemingly wincing in pain as he was helped out of the wreckage by a crowd. Other clips show him in an emergency vehicle, wearing only a pair of shorts, as he is driven away from the scene.

Dead men vital parts of team

Mr Ayodele, otherwise known as Latz, was seen playing table tennis with Joshua just a matter of hours before the collision. 

He has been a constant in the Brit’s career over the last decade. Mr Ghami who runs a gym in London, was an integral part of the team, as his strength and conditioning coach.

Likely to lead to retirement

Associates say that the three of them were inseparable, going everywhere together. The boxer relied on them for almost everything so many doubt he will cope with this tragedy.

They say it will be like having both of his arms cut off and will almost certainly lead to him announcing his retirement. 

Country’s president releases statement

Nigerian president, president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently abroad, talked with Joshua shortly after the fatal crash. 

In a statement posted on X, he said: “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates; I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him.

“AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care. I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention. May God strengthen the families and grant repose to the souls of the departed.”