Boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua injured and two people dead in Nigeria car crash

British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been injured in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two people, police have confirmed.

The crash happened on Monday morning on the Ogun-Lagos expressway in south-west Nigeria. Ogun State Police told the BBC that two people died at the scene, while Joshua and other injured passengers were taken to hospital.

Police confirmed the 36-year-old boxer sustained minor injuries and is in a stable condition. Joshua, who has family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, was reportedly travelling as a passenger in a Lexus vehicle at the time of the collision.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation. Images circulating on social media appear to show a heavily damaged vehicle.

The fatal incident comes shortly after Joshua’s return to the ring in a high-profile bout against controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December.

Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion and one of the sport’s elite power punchers, secured a sixth-round knockout victory in a fight broadcast globally to millions on Netflix.

The Briton ended the fight conclusively with a powerful punch to Paul’s jaw, sending the American to the canvas for the fourth and final time. Paul was counted out as he struggled to get to his feet.

Concerns were raised in the buildup due to the mismatch in size and skills. Paul weighed in at 98 kilograms and Joshua at 110kg.