Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped a tragic fate by changing seats just before a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. The incident occurred on Monday, resulting in minor injuries for Joshua, who was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The driver of the vehicle has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, according to Joshua’s lawyer. The lawyer stated that the driver pleaded not guilty and claimed the brakes failed, leading to the accident. It was revealed that Joshua initially sat in the front seat but was asked to switch to the back due to visibility issues with the wing mirror.
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver, aged 46, has been charged with multiple offenses including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless driving, negligent driving, and driving without a valid license. The case has been adjourned to January 20, as confirmed by the Ogun State Police Command.
In addition to being longtime friends of Joshua, Ghami served as his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was a trainer. Joshua, who hails from Nigerian descent, was in Nigeria for a vacation following his recent victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
Various figures from the boxing world, including promoter Eddie Hearn and champions like Tony Bellew, Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Wladimir Klitschko, have expressed their condolences for the tragic loss.
Joshua has been discharged from the hospital and has not yet made any public statements regarding the accident. A statement from the Lagos state commissioner for information confirmed that Joshua is now recuperating at home and attended the funeral of his friends in Lagos before they were repatriated.