World heavyweight boxing star Tyson Fury has publicly addressed the tragic road accident in Nigeria involving his rival, Anthony Joshua. The incident has cast a shadow over their anticipated £100 million super-fight later this year.
Fury's Tribute and Condolences
Fury, a former world champion, broke his silence via his Instagram story, paying tribute to Joshua and the two victims who lost their lives. Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, described as close associates and key members of 'Team AJ', died in the crash. Fury expressed his sorrow, writing, "This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven."
He also reposted a clip of Joshua reflecting on life and death, using the moment to acknowledge life's fragility. Fury issued a stark warning to young drivers, urging greater caution on the roads. "Young people, it’s a stark reminder you’ve got to start paying attention," he stated. "When driving a vehicle you’ve got to be on clock at all times. Life is most fragile when you’re enjoying yourself the most."
Details of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash
The accident occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major highway frequently cited as one of Nigeria's most dangerous roads. Preliminary investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicate the crash happened during an overtaking manoeuvre and involved excessive speed.
A Lexus SUV, in which Anthony Joshua was a passenger, reportedly collided at high speed with a stationary truck. Joshua sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition. The FRSC confirmed that speeding and dangerous overtaking were major factors in the fatal accident.
Reactions and the Fight's Future
Support for Joshua has poured in from the boxing community. Fury's father, John Fury, shared a separate video message, telling Joshua, "You’ve got a guardian angel, my friend. God has his arms wrapped around you."
While Joshua remains under medical care, the boxing world is left questioning the status of the planned mega-fight between the two British heavyweights. The tragic event has introduced significant doubt around the high-stakes bout scheduled for later in 2025. Tributes continue to flow for Ayodele and Ghami, whose roles were integral to Joshua's career.
Fury concluded his message with a critical road safety plea, stressing that drivers must avoid speeding and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as such behaviour often leads to irreversible tragedy.
