The boxing community yesterday expressed sympathy for former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who was still in shock over Monday’s deadly car accident that claimed the lives of two of his associates.
Boxing greats Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury expressed their condolences for Joshua’s friends’ passing and wished him a quick recovery in remarks and tweets.
According to The Nation, Joshua and three other people were traveling from Lagos to Sagamu in neighboring Ogun State when their Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) collided with a stalled car.
The accident was caused by speeding and passing on the wrong side, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Fury, who is being considered as Joshua’s potential next opponent, posted a message on social media about Joshua’s deceased colleagues. “This is so sad,” he remarked. I pray that God grants them a comfortable bed in paradise.
“This is an unbelievable loss,” Usyk wrote on social media.
They were two amazing individuals who were buddies as well as members of AJ’s squad! My deepest sympathies go out to their loved ones, families, and all those who knew them. I hope you get well soon, Anthony. Champion, don’t give up.
Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom Sports and a prominent boxing promoter, paid tribute on social media, writing: “With the heaviest of hearts.” Two outstanding dudes. Sina and Latif, may you rest in eternal peace. I’m sending everyone my best wishes and thoughts.
Joshua and the families of the boxer’s two deceased associates received heartfelt condolences from the Nigeria Boxing Federation.
“I offer my sincere condolences to our national treasure, Anthony Joshua, and the families of the two individuals who passed away on behalf of the entire Nigerian Boxing family,” stated Mr. Wale Edun, president of the NBF.
In addition, Edun serves as Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance.
“A death is always incredibly upsetting, and during this trying time, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Anthony, and the impacted families.
He said, “As a boxing community, we pray for your quick recovery and that the souls of the dearly departed rest in peace.”
Dignitaries from all walks of life were also in the hospital yesterday to offer their condolences and wish Joshua a quick recovery.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade, British Deputy Head of Mission Simon Field, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) visited the hospital at different points yesterday.
According to Ogun State Governor Kayode AKinmade’s spokesperson, the governor reiterated the doctors’ assessment that Joshua is stable following his visit.
Olopade expressed her sincere condolences to Joshua and the accident victims’ families.
“I offer my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident on behalf of the National Sports Commission and the entire Nigerian sports family,” Olopade stated.
Additionally, the former heavyweight boxing champion received condolences from Works Minister Dave Umahi and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represented Kogi Central.
“At this very painful time, my heart goes out to Anthony Joshua,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remarked. It is heartbreaking to lose two close friends in such a terrible way. I ask God to give him courage and solace, and to provide the dead their eternal peace.
Umahi disclosed that a special task force would be established in February to monitor trucks parked illegally on roadways.
Joshua’s hometown of Sagamu, in Ogun State, was plunged into a state of mourning following the catastrophe.
The boxer’s family expressed their profound shock at Joshua’s colleagues’ deaths.
According to hospital fillers and media reports, some of the family members who spoke to reporters yesterday expressed concern that they haven’t been able to meet their kid, but they also expressed happiness that he did not suffer any serious injuries.
“Since the incident, we have been rallying around to see if it is possible to get to see our son, but that has been impossible because of his status,” Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, told reporters on behalf of the family. We can see that this is being done to protect him as a global figure, even though we don’t know whose hospital he was transferred to.
But Joshua’s mother and father, who are also in Nigeria, have assured us that he is alright.
We are all excited to see him, but we will accept the authority’s decision to keep him out of reach for the time being. We also believe that it will be okay if they let even three family members visit him.
“We are deeply saddened by the deaths of two individuals who were close to Anthony in this accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with these young men’s families and friends. We pray that everyone impacted by this regrettable event will find solace in the Lord God Almighty.
Sincerely, we were rudely shocked to learn that our son, Anthony, had been involved in a deadly crash. We were not informed of this awful news in a timely manner.
Anthony frequently travels to Nigeria. Since we use this time of year to strengthen our bonds as a family, we felt terrible. It is truly quite regrettable.
The Sagamu community was shocked by the tragic news, and they are still in shock as of right now. People have continued phoning the family members to offer their condolences and inquire about any updates.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made contact with Joshua and his mother by phone after the disaster on Monday. The President wished the boxer, whom he called an icon, a quick recovery in a tweet on the incident.
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