The family of world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has voiced out their concern after being unable to reach or visit him in the aftermath of a fatal road crash that occurred on Monday on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

In an interview with Punch, the boxer’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the news as a “rude shock” to the family.

He revealed that the family only learned of the accident after 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 did not get to hear this terrible news on time until calls started coming in from people seeking confirmation. Anthony comes home three or four times a year, especially during the festive season, and it is usually a time to rejoice with family. This was completely unexpected.”

The uncle added that while the family has been in touch with Anthony Joshua’s parents, who are also in Nigeria, they have not been allowed to visit him at the undisclosed medical facility where he is receiving treatment.

“We are all eager to see him, even if only three of us are allowed, but 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.

Joshua’s uncle expressed sorrow for their de@ths, offering prayers for the bereaved families.

“We are really sad that two people who were very close to Joshua did not survive. Our hearts are with their families and associates. We pray that the Lord gives them strength to bear this painful loss,” he said.