Devastated Anthony Joshua has disclosed he’s suffering pain ‘everywhere’ as an update on his health emerged following a horrific car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. The British boxer is currently receiving treatment at an upmarket hospital in Lagos, where he’s anticipated to stay until the New Year after narrowly surviving with injuries alone.

While the former heavyweight champion was initially reported to be in stable condition, he has now said according to The Sun: “I feel pain all over my body.” That follows earlier suggestions that his injuries were more severe than initially thought and might affect his boxing future. Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus Jeep that crashed into a stationary lorry on the congested motorway on Monday morning.

He sustained minor wounds and was rushed to hospital for medical care, whilst two other occupants of the vehicle tragically died, police have confirmed. The Sun say, per sources close to the 36-year-old, that AJ is suffering searing pain in both knees. His promoter Matchroom Sport said: “Anthony is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”

The two fatalities have been named as Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Both men were close associates of Joshua’s and played vital roles within his inner circle. Ayodele served as the Brit’s personal trainer whilst Ghami had worked as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than 10 years.

Joshua is being comforted in a private hospital by his mum. An eyewitness of the crash said to Nigerian outlet Vanguard: “The bang from the impact jolted everyone, at first, we thought it was another bomb blast. When we realised it was an accident, people rushed down.

“Some people started videoing the scene, while others opened the doors to see if they could rescue anyone. One of the men who survived shouted that we should help the people in the next car, saying one of them was Anthony Joshua. Some people didn’t even know who he was until a man who stopped by said they were from the same Sagamu.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria said in a statement on X: “The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep [sic] and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number. A total of five adult males were involved in the crash. Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.

“The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road.”