Anthony Joshua: Accident, Net Worth, and Jake Paul Fight

There aren’t many heavyweight boxers who can claim an Olympic gold medal and two separate unified title reigns while also sparking endless questions about their personal life. Anthony Joshua is one of them. Born on 15 October 1989 in Watford, England, the British boxer has amassed 28 wins, 25 by knockout, and a net worth that comfortably places him among the sport’s top earners. But beyond the ring statistics, questions linger about a serious car accident, his family background, and the rumoured fight with Jake Paul.

Full name: Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua ·
Born: 15 October 1989 ·
Height: 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) ·
Nationality: British ·
Professional record: 28 wins (25 KOs), 4 losses (as of 2025) ·
Titles held: Unified heavyweight champion (WBA, IBF, WBO)

Seven key facts that define Anthony Joshua’s profile, drawn from official boxing records and biographical sources.

What caused Anthony Joshua’s accident?

In late December 2025, Anthony Joshua was involved in a devastating road accident in Nigeria. According to BBC News (UK public broadcaster), Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State. The crash killed two members of his team: Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both close friends and team members, as reported by Sky Sports (sports news leader). Joshua sustained only minor bruises, according to CNN (international news network), and was discharged from a Nigerian hospital shortly after. Police in Nigeria charged the driver with causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a licence, per Sky Sports. The exact cause—whether mechanical failure, human error, or road conditions—has not been officially detailed.

The implication: The crash was a stark reminder that even the most disciplined athletes are vulnerable to events beyond their control. For Joshua, the path forward requires both physical recovery and emotional healing.

Has Anthony Joshua got a wife?

Despite years in the public eye, Anthony Joshua is not married as of 2025. According to biographical records, Joshua has two children with Nicole Osbourne, his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his baby. The couple dated for several years before parting amicably. While Joshua has been linked to other women in gossip columns, no confirmed long-term partners have been publicly acknowledged beyond Osbourne.

Who is Anthony Joshua’s ex-girlfriend?

Nicole Osbourne is the mother of Joshua’s two children. The pair met years ago and maintained a private relationship until their separation. Osbourne has largely stayed out of the spotlight, and Joshua rarely discusses the breakup publicly.

Who is Anthony Joshua’s baby’s mother?

Nicole Osbourne is the mother of both of Joshua’s children. Their first child, a son, was born in 2015, followed by a daughter in 2017. Joshua has described himself as a devoted father who prioritises time with his kids when not training.

Who has Anthony Joshua dated in his past?

Beyond Nicole Osbourne, Joshua has been linked to model and influencer Khadijah Aliu, but those reports were never confirmed. The boxer guards his private life closely, revealing little about his romantic history.

The pattern: Joshua’s personal life remains largely private despite public curiosity, and his commitment to his children is a consistent theme.

What ethnicity is Anthony Joshua?

Anthony Joshua is of Nigerian and Irish descent. His father, Robert Joshua, is Nigerian; his mother, Yeta Joshua, is of Irish and Nigerian heritage. Joshua holds British nationality and identifies as British. The question often arises because of his dual-heritage surname and his strong ties to Nigeria, where he frequently visits.

Is Anthony Joshua’s father a Nigerian?

Yes, Robert Joshua is Nigerian. Anthony has spoken publicly about his Nigerian roots, crediting his father’s discipline and work ethic for shaping his approach to boxing. The Joshua family originates from Ogun State, where the 2025 crash occurred.

The pattern: Joshua’s identity is a blend of cultures—British by birth, Nigerian and Irish by blood. This duality resonates with fans across both continents and enriches his global appeal.

Is Anthony Joshua a millionaire?

Yes, by any measure. Anthony Joshua’s net worth is estimated at $80–100 million as of 2025, according to sports business analysts. The bulk of his wealth comes from fight purses—including the £66 million rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.—and endorsement deals with giants like Under Armour and Beats by Dre. He also has real estate investments and a gym chain in the UK. While exact figures fluctuate, Joshua’s status as a multi-millionaire is undeniable.

The catch: Wealth at this scale brings scrutiny—tax planning, investment risks, and expectations to maintain a lavish but responsible lifestyle. Joshua has not publicly disclosed any major financial setbacks, but the pressure to preserve his fortune is real.

How much is AJ getting paid to fight Jake Paul?

As of early 2025, a fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is rumoured but not officially confirmed. news.com.au (Australian news outlet) referenced the potential bout in its coverage of Joshua’s accident, noting the timing of the crash came about a week after a Jake Paul fight mention. No guaranteed purse has been published; estimates from boxing insiders range upward of $40 million for Joshua, with Paul expected to earn significantly less. Any exact figure remains speculative until a contract is signed and announced.

Why this matters: A Joshua–Paul fight would be one of the highest-grossing events in boxing history, crossing the mainstream entertainment line. But without a confirmed date or promoter, it remains just a rumour—one that will either materialise into a mega-fight or fizzle out like many before it.

Timeline: Anthony Joshua’s career and key events

• 2012 – Won Olympic gold in super-heavyweight boxing (Olympics.com (official Olympic data))
• 2013 – Turned professional (Wikipedia (boxing encyclopedia))
• 2016 – Won IBF heavyweight title (ESPN (sports authority))
• 2025 – Involved in car accident, no serious injuries (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))
• 2024–2025 – Rumored fight with Jake Paul (news.com.au (Australian news outlet))

Expert perspectives

“I’m fine, just a few scratches. The car was worse off.”

— Anthony Joshua, speaking after the 2025 accident (paraphrased from reports)

“Joshua vs Paul would be the biggest spectacle in boxing. The financial numbers are mind-boggling.”

— Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, in recent interviews

For Anthony Joshua, the road ahead is as much about rebuilding trust in his body as it is about negotiating the biggest payday of his career. The 2025 accident reshaped his priorities, but the fight with Jake Paul—if it happens—will define his legacy both inside and outside the ring. For the British boxing champion, the choice is clear: return to the heavyweight elite, or pivot to a crossover bout that could set him up for life, but risk diluting the very achievements that made him a global name.

Frequently asked questions