Jake Paul took to social media Monday to express concern and sympathy after former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car accident in Nigeria that killed two people and left the British boxer with minor injuries.
Paul‘s response underscored a striking shift from rivalry in the ring to compassion in the wake of a tragic road incident.
The accident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on Monday morning.
According to local authorities, the vehicle carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of two passengers.
Joshua, who was sitting in the back seat, sustained what have been described as minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
Less than two weeks earlier, the 36-year-old British boxer had delivered one of the most talked-about moments of the boxing year by knocking out Paul in the sixth round of their Netflix-broadcast heavyweight bout in Miami, a fight that ended in Paul‘s hospitalization with a broken jaw requiring surgery.
On Monday, Paul posted on X:
“Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Joshua‘s promoter Eddie Hearn also reacted to the news, saying he was on a family holiday when he learned of the incident and was relieved to see his fighter “appear OK” in images from the scene, though details were still emerging.
Tragedy off the road after the fight
The crash occurred as Joshua was visiting Nigeria, a country tied closely to his heritage, following his high-profile victory over Paul.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where the collision took place, is known for heavy traffic and hazardous conditions, particularly during holiday periods.
Local reports indicate that excessive speed and a sudden overtaking maneuver may have contributed to the vehicle losing control and striking the stationary truck.
Authorities confirmed that two individuals in the SUV died at the scene; it has not been publicly disclosed whether the deceased were part of Joshua‘s entourage or separate travelers in the vehicle.
Joshua‘s own injuries were described as non-life-threatening, though any trauma from such a violent crash can carry lasting effects, both physically and psychologically.
The incident adds to a tumultuous few weeks for both fighters: Paul, now 28, is in recovery from his broken jaw.
The injury, which left Paul with a double break and necessitated the insertion of titanium plates, has become a central part of the conversation around the fight, both in terms of the physical risks of stepping up to face elite boxing competition and the narrative arc of his unconventional career.
Joshua has been poised for talks about future high-profile clashes, including a potential bout with Tyson Fury.
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