Anthony Joshua’s mother has reportedly rushed to his bedside in a leading Nigerian hospital as he recovers from injuries sustained in a car accident that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends. Local media sources indicate that Joshua is being cared for at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, which has been recognized as the best private medical facility in Nigeria for two years. Nigeria’s president confirmed on Monday that Joshua’s mother had reached the hospital to support her son, a former heavyweight boxing champion.
The 36-year-old is believed to be in a stable condition after surviving the collision that killed his strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Witnesses initially mistook the incident for an explosion due to the thunderous sound of the impact. It was also reported that Joshua had expressed concerns about leg pain following the incident.
Speaking to Nigerian publication Vanguard, an anonymous eyewitness said: “The sound of the impact shocked everyone. At first we thought it was another bomb explosion. When we realized it was an accident, people rushed down. Some started recording the scene and others opened doors to see if they could save someone.
“One of the men who survived shouted that we should lend a hand the people in the next car, saying that one of them was Anthony Joshua. Some of them didn’t even know who he was until a man stopped and said they were from the same Sagam.”
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed in a statement that he had spoken to Joshua and his mother by telephone at the hospital where the British boxer was taken after the accident. Tinubu, who is currently abroad, said he expressed condolences to Joshua over the death of his friends Ghami and Ayodele.
He said: “I spoke to AJ on the phone to personally express my condolences on the deaths of his two colleagues. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me he was receiving the best care at the hospital.
“I also spoke to AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very grateful for my call. Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was with them at the hospital. The governor assured me that he would do everything in his power to provide AJ with the best possible care.”
Joshua was on his way to visit relatives when the Lexus SUV he was driving collided with a stationary truck shortly after 11 a.m. on Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, southwestern Nigeria.
Nigerian authorities released photos of the crushed vehicle, and just a few meters away, a Mitsubishi car believed to be part of Joshua’s convoy remained intact.
Five people died in the accident, and photos show how the engine was completely destroyed – the car doors were torn off and the roof was crushed beyond recognition. Eddie Hearn, who is chairman of Joshua’s promotional company Matchroom, was among those who paid tribute to the duo after their tragic deaths were confirmed.
“With the heaviest heart,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “Two great men. Rest in eternal peace, Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
Boxer Chris Eubank Jr also paid a touching tribute. He wrote: “Thank God our heavyweight champion survived this terrible car accident. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latza and Sina and their families. I knew both of them… they were truly good men. Rest in peace boys.”
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position
Jaron Ennis
To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
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On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
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