A split-second decision saved Anthony Joshua's life. The two-time World Champion boxer was a passenger in a serious car crash that killed two people. Before the journey began, Joshua is reported to have swapped seats. He moved from the front passenger to the back of the SUV, the Daily Mail has reported.
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"'I also understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat but the driver asked him to swap seats,'" Olalekan Abiodun, the lawyer for the driver of the car, told the Daily Mail. "'From what I understand, Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.'"
Joshua lost two close friends in the smash. Sina Ghami was the boxer's strength and conditioning coach, while Latif Ayodele was his trainer. According to Sky Sports News, the accident took place on a busy highway in Nigeria.
"Reuters news agencies say he suffered minor injuries," Sky Sports News reported on the day of the incident. "According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred along a busy highway where a vehicle carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck. The exact cause is now being investigated. There is no statement from Anthony Joshua's team on the incident just yet."
Anthony Joshua's Driver Did Not Have a License
In another twist to the story, it has now been revealed that Joshua's driver, Kayode Adeniyi, did not have a driver's license.
"The Daily Mail has learned that Joshua's driver did not have a valid driver's licence before the smash on Nigeria's most deadly road which hospitalised the multi-millionaire boxer."
According to the driver's lawyer, the accident occurred due to the brakes on the vehicle failing.
"'My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident, I haven't had a full chance to speak with him yet but I know he is saying the brakes did not work," Abiodun said.
Due to his lack of a legal driving license, Adeniyi is now facing charges of dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without care and attention and driving without a valid driver's license.
He will stand trial later this month, with his case currently adjourned until January 20.
