Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death after a last-minute decision saved his life in a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
The incident occurred on Monday, December 29, when the boxer was involved in a fatal road accident that left two passengers dead. Joshua was rushed to hospital with only minor injuries and was later discharged.
It has now emerged that Joshua avoided the worst by swapping seats shortly before the journey began. According to the driver’s lawyer, Joshua had initially sat in the front passenger seat but was asked to move because his size obstructed the driver’s view of the wing mirror. He later sat behind the driver, a change believed to have saved his life.
“My client has pleaded not guilty. He maintains it was an accident and claims the brakes failed,” the driver, Olalekan Abiodun, told the Daily Mail.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The case has been adjourned to January 20.
The two victims were long-time friends of Joshua. One served as his strength and conditioning coach, while the other was a trainer. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute to them, praising their “energy and loyalty.”
Joshua, who was in Nigeria on holiday following his recent victory over Jake Paul, has not publicly commented on the crash. Authorities confirmed he was medically fit and is recovering at home.
