Boxing star Anthony Joshua survives deadly crash in Nigeria that kills two

Crowds gathered around twisted wreckage outside Lagos after a violent crash left two people dead and sent boxing superstar Anthony Joshua to the hospital.

(NBC)- Crowds gathered around twisted wreckage outside Lagos after a violent crash left two people dead and sent boxing superstar Anthony Joshua to the hospital.

Authorities say the former two-time heavyweight world champion was the only survivor of the crash, which happened around 11 a.m. local time. Joshua was seen emerging from the backseat of a mangled Lexus SUV, shirtless and visibly injured.

Officials say the vehicle lost control while attempting to overtake another car and slammed into a stationary truck. Investigators believe the SUV was traveling above the speed limit at the time of the crash.

The collision killed two of Joshua’s close friends and members of his team — Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Images from the scene show the luxury vehicle destroyed, with debris scattered across the roadway on the outskirts of Lagos.

Joshua, a Nigerian-British boxer, was most recently in the spotlight just weeks ago after facing influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly publicized match that ended in the sixth round with a powerful knockout blow.

Joshua first rose to global fame at the 2012 London Olympics, where he won gold in the super heavyweight division for Great Britain.

Following news of the crash, Paul posted a message of support, writing, “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

Nigeria’s president also issued a statement expressing “deep sympathies,” adding that Joshua has long represented “courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country.”

Authorities say Joshua remains hospitalized with minor injuries as the investigation into the crash continues.