Boxer Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death after swapping seats with a friend minutes before a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two close friends, Ghami and Ayodele, on December 29 .

Joshua, who was taken to hospital with minor injuries, had changed seats with driver Olalekan Abiodun, allowing Abiodun to sit in the front and giving Joshua more space in the back.

Abiodun has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and is set to face trial on January 20 . His lawyer claims the brakes failed, saying “it was an accident”.

Joshua, who was in Nigeria on holiday, has paid tribute to his friends, describing them as loyal and energetic . He’s yet to comment publicly on the accident.

“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,” Joshua’s driver, Olalekan Abiodun told the Daily Mail.

“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. He did this because Anthony is a big fellow and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly so he asked him to move and he sat behind the driver. From what I understand Latif was in front after he changed seats with Anthony.”

The Superstar boxer was released from hospital on New Year’s Eve and is recuperating at home.