Anthony Joshua, two-time unified heavyweight world champion, narrowly escaped death after swapping seats moments before a horrific car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close associates.
The 36-year-old Nigerian-born British boxer was travelling on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when his Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck.
While Anthony Joshua survived with minor injuries, the crash claimed the lives of his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
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According to a report by the Daily Mail, Anthony Joshua was initially seated in the front passenger seat of the Lexus SUV, but later swapped seats with Ayodele during the journey, moving to the back seat behind the driver.
When the SUV collided with a truck on the passenger side, the impact proved fatal for those seated on that side of the vehicle. Joshua, sitting behind the driver, escaped the full force of the collision.
Seat Swap Proved Crucial
The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has since been charged by police. His lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, explained that the seat change occurred because Joshua’s size obstructed the driver’s view.
“I understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat, but the driver asked him to swap seats,” Abiodun told The Daily Mail.
“Anthony is a big fellow, and the driver couldn’t see the wing mirror properly, so he asked him to move and sit behind him. From what I understand, Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.”
That decision, made midway through the trip, is believed to have saved the boxer’s life.
Driver Charged, Case Adjourned
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed on Friday that Kayode was arraigned before the Sagamu Magistrate Court. He faces four charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
“My client has pleaded not guilty,” Abiodun said. “What happened was an accident. I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet, but he is saying the brakes did not work.”
Police confirmed that the defendant was granted bail of ₦5 million, with the case adjourned until January 20, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, had travelled to Nigeria for a holiday following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
