The family of former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has described the road crash involving the boxer on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as a devastating shock, as condolences continue to pour in over the loss of two members of his team.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday at the family house in Ijokun, Sagamu, Ogun State, Joshua’s uncle, Mr Adedamola Joshua, said news of the accident reached the family late and left them deeply shaken.
“The news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in such a fatal accident came to us as a rude shock,” he said. “We did not hear about it on time. Calls started coming in from different people who wanted to confirm if it was true.”
Mr Adedamola explained that the incident sent waves of fear across the Sagamu community, noting that the boxer frequently visits home several times a year.
“This is someone who comes home three or four times in a year. For something like this to happen at the end of the year, a period meant for joy and family bonding, is really painful,” he added.
Although family members have been unable to visit the boxer, Mr Adedamola said they remain in contact with his parents, who have assured them that he is responding to treatment at a medical facility in Lagos.
“We understand the need to protect him as a global figure, but even if just a few family members are allowed to see him, we would be grateful,” he said.
While expressing gratitude that Joshua and his driver survived the crash, the family mourned the death of two close friends and members of the boxer’s team.
“We are heartbroken that two people who were very close to Anthony did not survive. Our prayers are with their families, and we ask God to give them the strength to bear this painful loss,” Mr Adedamola said.
The accident occurred around 11 a.m. on Monday when the Lexus SUV conveying the boxer reportedly collided with a stationary truck on the expressway.
The deceased were identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, also 36, a British national.
Reacting to the incident, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Mr Oladipupo Adebutu, described the crash as a tragic and sobering event.
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“This is a deeply distressing moment. My thoughts and prayers are with Anthony Joshua and the families of those who lost their lives,” he said in a statement issued by his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya.
Adebutu noted that Joshua remains a symbol of resilience and national pride, adding that his achievements continue to inspire young Nigerians across the world.
Similarly, the Sagamu Youth Association expressed sorrow over the incident and prayed for Joshua’s quick recovery.
“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased in this moment of immeasurable grief,” the group said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Olakunle Popoola.
Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, earlier described the deceased as close friends and key members of the boxer’s team, as investigations into the crash continue.
