Anthony Joshua narrowly avoided a tragic fate by switching seats just moments before a car accident claimed the lives of two of his friends. The fatal crash occurred on Monday, resulting in Joshua sustaining minor injuries and being taken to the hospital. The driver of the car has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
According to the driver’s lawyer, the defendant has pleaded not guilty, attributing the incident to a brake failure. The lawyer mentioned that Joshua initially occupied the front seat but was asked by the driver to move to the back due to visibility issues with the wing mirror. The seating arrangement changed during the journey, with Joshua ultimately seated behind the driver.
The driver, identified as Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has been formally charged by the Ogun State Police Command. The charges against him include causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s license. The case has been adjourned to January 20, 2026.
Joshua, a renowned boxer, was vacationing in Nigeria following a victory in Miami before the tragic accident occurred. His friends, who were also part of his inner circle, played crucial roles as his strength and conditioning coach and trainer. Prominent figures in the boxing world, including Eddie Hearn, Tony Bellew, Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Wladimir Klitschko, have expressed their condolences for the loss.
After being discharged from the hospital on New Year’s Eve, Joshua has refrained from making any public statements regarding the incident. In a joint statement with Ogun state, it was announced that Joshua was discharged and deemed clinically fit to recover at home. Joshua and his mother paid their final respects to their departed friends at a funeral home in Lagos before their repatriation.