Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua Facebook/Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua's recent car crash in Nigeria has reignited online claims of a so called 'Jake Paul curse', with fans linking the tragedy to his recent victory over the YouTuber turned boxer.

The British heavyweight was injured in a serious road accident on 29 December while travelling on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that struck a stationary truck while overtaking. Authorities said preliminary findings point to excessive speed and loss of control. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was treated in hospital, where he was described as stable. Tragically, two close members of his training team were killed at the scene.

The crash occurred just days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul, and that timing has fuelled viral speculation online. Social media users have revived a long running theory suggesting fighters who face Paul later suffer personal or professional misfortune. According to reports explaining the 'Jake Paul curse' theory, the idea has gained traction largely due to coincidence and selective storytelling rather than evidence.

What Sparked the 'Jake Paul Curse' Claims

The so called curse first emerged online as a joke, before evolving into a more serious talking point among some fans. After Joshua's accident, posts began circulating that framed the crash as part of a pattern involving fighters who have beaten or fought Jake Paul.

Names frequently mentioned include Nate Robinson, Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Tommy Fury and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. In Joshua's case, users pointed to the proximity between his win over Paul and the fatal accident as supposed proof that the theory had resurfaced.

However, each of those examples involves unrelated circumstances. Robinson's health struggles predated his bout with Paul. Askren's lung condition developed independently of his boxing appearance. Other claims rely on exaggerated timelines or omit context entirely. Despite that, the narrative continues to spread due to its shock value.

Details of Anthony Joshua's Nigeria Car Crash

Joshua, 36, was travelling near Makun in Ogun State when the crash occurred. Police said the SUV hit a stationary truck around late morning. Eyewitnesses reported that Joshua was trapped in the vehicle for roughly 20 minutes before being rescued. Footage later showed him exiting the damaged car with assistance.

Anthony Joshua crash
Anthony Joshua crash Facebook

Two passengers were killed instantly. They were later identified as strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Kevin 'Latif' Ayodele. Joshua has since expressed gratitude to first responders and those who helped at the scene.

According to coverage detailing the Nigeria crash and online reaction, the accident remains under investigation, with no suggestion of foul play. Officials have not linked the incident to anything beyond road safety factors.

Jake Paul Responds With Condolences

Jake Paul addressed the incident publicly after news of the fatalities emerged. He offered condolences to Joshua and the families of the victims, stating that life matters more than boxing. Paul also paid tribute to both Ghami and Ayodele, acknowledging their roles in Joshua's career.

His response did little to slow the spread of the online theory. Instead, the renewed attention has kept the 'curse' narrative circulating across social platforms, especially among boxing fans and conspiracy driven accounts.

Why the Theory Persists Online

The appeal of the 'Jake Paul curse' lies in its simplicity. It reduces complex events into a single narrative and relies on emotional timing rather than verified connections. In Joshua's case, the tragedy of the crash combined with a recent high profile fight created a storyline that quickly gained momentum.

Still, there is no evidence supporting any causal link between fighting Jake Paul and subsequent misfortune. Journalists and commentators have stressed that the theory is rooted in coincidence and internet culture rather than fact.

For now, Joshua continues his recovery while mourning the loss of two close colleagues. Meanwhile, the resurfacing of the 'Jake Paul curse' serves as another example of how quickly speculation can overshadow reality after high profile events.