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The family of world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed concern after being unable to reach or visit him following a fatal road crash that occurred on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Speaking in an interview with Punch, the boxer’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the news as a “rude shock” to the family, revealing that they only became aware of the incident after receiving several calls from friends and well-wishers.
“Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock,” he said.
“We did not hear about this terrible incident on time until people started calling to seek confirmation. Anthony usually comes home three or four times a year, especially during festive periods, and those visits are always moments of joy for the family. This incident was completely unexpected.”
Adedamola Joshua added that although the family has been in contact with Anthony Joshua’s parents, who are also currently in Nigeria, they have not been permitted to visit him at the undisclosed medical facility where he is receiving treatment.
“We are all eager to see him, even if only three of us are allowed. However, we understand the need to protect him given his global status,” he said.
The crash reportedly claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members — Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen.
Joshua’s uncle expressed deep sorrow over their deaths and offered prayers for the bereaved families.
“We are really saddened that two people who were very close to Joshua did not survive. Our hearts go out to their families and associates, and we pray that God grants them the strength to bear this painful loss,” he said.
