The uncle of Anthony Joshua has said the family was thrown into shock after learning the boxer was involved in a car crash in Lagos.

The accident, which occurred on Monday, claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close associates following a tyre blowout.

Those who died in the crash were Latif “Latz” Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, a sport and exercise rehabilitation coach.

The Lexus SUV conveying the boxer was said to have collided with a stationary truck near a petrol station along the Lagos-Ibadan highway.

Speaking to journalists in Ijokun, Adedamola Joshua, the boxer’s uncle, said the family did not immediately know about the accident.

His words: “We did not know on time that he was involved in an accident, it was really a rude shock to the family because this is not the first time he would be coming to see his family in Sagamu. Anthony Joshua can even come home up to three, four times in a year.

“We felt so bad because this is the end of the year period which is usually use to rejoice and bond with one another, it is really quite unfortunate.

“The sad news actually jolted Sagamu community and up till now everyone is still in shock. People have kept calling the family members to sympathise with us and get updates.

“Since the incident happened, we have been rallying round to see if it is possible to get to see our son but that has been impossible because of his status.

“We don’t know the hospital he was taken to and we can understand that such is being done to protect him being a world figure.

“However, we have been in touch with his father and mother who are also in Nigeria and they have assured us that Joshua is fine.

“We are also thinking that it will be fine if they allow even if it just three of the family members to see him, we are all eager to see him but we will still respect the wish of the authority to keep him safe for now.”