'Life is more important than boxing': Jake Paul reacts after Anthony Joshua injured in car crash that killed two days after their bout

Just 10 days after Anthony Joshua handed Jake Paul a high-profile loss, the boxing world was stunned by news of a fatal car crash involving Joshua in Nigeria. The former two-time heavyweight champion was injured, and two of his close companions were killed in a collision on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Motorway in Ogun State. The incident has shifted focus from the ring to real-life tragedy, prompting widespread condolences and concern.



On Monday morning, Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV travelling in Ogun State when the vehicle lost control and crashed into a stationary truck. Early reports suggest a burst tyre or risky overtaking may have caused the driver to lose control. Emergency crews rushed him to a local hospital after he sustained minor injuries, while other occupants were pulled from the wreckage.



Tragically, two people riding in the vehicle with Joshua lost their lives at the scene. Nigerian authorities and multiple outlets have named them as Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif/Latz” Ayodele, both close friends and key members of his training team. Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele worked closely with him as a trainer. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the boxing community.





In a heartfelt response, Jake Paul took to social media to offer his support and prayers for Joshua and the victims’ families. Paul wrote that “life is much more important than boxing” and said he was praying for everyone affected by the tragedy, including “AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”




In a follow-up tweet, he paid tribute to Sina Ghami and Kevin Ayodele, wrtiing, "My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ."






Joshua is reported to be in stable condition at a Nigerian hospital after the crash and is receiving medical care following his minor injuries. Footage circulating online showed him dazed but conscious during rescue efforts. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that initial images suggested Joshua appeared okay, though his team has not released a detailed official medical update yet.



Since their December 19 fight in Miami, where Joshua defeated Paul by knockout in the sixth round, Paul has been recovering from a broken jaw he sustained in that bout. Despite the loss and injury, he continues to reflect publicly on life outside of boxing, emphasising compassion and perspective following the news of the accident.