The family of world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed concern after being unable to reach or visit him following a fatal road crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday.

Speaking with Punch, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the news as a “rude shock,” saying the family only became aware of the incident after receiving multiple calls from friends and well-wishers.

“Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock,” he said. “We didn’t hear about it on time. Calls started coming in from people seeking confirmation. Anthony comes home three or four times a year, especially during the festive season, and it’s always a time of joy. This was completely unexpected.”

He added that although the family has been in contact with Joshua’s parents, who are also in Nigeria, they have not been granted access to visit him at the undisclosed medical facility where he is receiving treatment.

“We are eager to see him, even if only three of us are allowed. We understand the need to protect him given his global status,” he said.

The crash claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members: Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen.

Expressing deep sorrow, Joshua’s uncle offered prayers for the bereaved families. “We are truly saddened that two people very close to Joshua did not survive. Our hearts are with their families and associates, and we pray for strength for them in this painful time.”