British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries on Monday in a fatal highway crash in Lagos, Nigeria, regional officials said.

Matchroom Boxing said in a statement later Monday that two "close friends" and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, "have tragically passed away," and that Joshua remains hospitalized in stable condition.

"Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected - and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time," Matchroom said.

The two-time world heavyweight champion, who beat YouTube personality Jake Paul by knockout in a non-title bout just over a week ago in Miami, was in a vehicle involved in a crash and was taken to a local hospital, Ogun Police representative Lanre Ogunlowo had confirmed to CBS News.

"The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and (is) receiving medical attention," Lagos police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said later in a statement.

Gbenga Omotoso, a representative of the Lagos state government, said in a post on X that Joshua was involved in a "fatal crash just before Sagamu Exchange on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway," adding that state authorities had sent medical personnel to respond.

Images published by Nigerian outlet Punch Newspapers showed Joshua sitting in the back seat of a car with no shirt on, seemingly alert and without serious visible injuries, but with broken glass around him after the crash.

Punch said the crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the car he was riding in collided with a truck.

Joshua was born in Britain to Nigerian parents and often visits the African nation.

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