The boxing community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of a Nigerian boxer, the former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, in Ghana on Saturday.
Olanrewaju lost consciousness during a boxing match with Ghanaian boxer, Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena.
It was gathered that he was reportedly leading on points before the tragic incident occurred.
Ghana Boxing Authority confirms Olanrewaju’s death
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) officially confirmed the unfortunate incident in a press release on Sunday, revealing that Olanrewaju was pronounced dead at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was rushed for medical attention.
According to the statement signed by GBA’s Director of Communication, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Olanrewaju had been declared medically fit for the fight by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) and had presented his certified professional boxing credentials before the GBA sanctioned the contest.
The Nigerian fighter faced Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu in a light heavyweight international contest scheduled for eight rounds as part of the Imax Boxing Promotions fights bill for the ongoing Bel 7star energy drink professional boxing league, week 15.
Reports indicate that Olanrewaju was dominating the bout from the first round. However, in the third round, at exactly 2 minutes and 46 seconds, he suddenly leaned back on the ropes without taking a punch. Sensing danger, referee Richard Amevi quickly ended the fight and called for medical assistance.
Despite swift intervention from the ringside physician and paramedics, who attempted first-aid resuscitation, the boxer was pronounced dead 30 minutes after arriving at the hospital. The GBA president, Abraham Kotei Neequaye, who was present at both the ringside and hospital, immediately initiated processes to preserve the boxer’s body and informed the NBBC’s General Secretary, Remi Aboderin.
Following the tragic incident, the GBA reported the case to the Korle Bu Police Station and facilitated the movement of the body to the main mortuary on Sunday morning. Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, was also briefed on the development.
Olanrewaju, who entered the fight with an official record of 23 fights, 13 victories (12 by knockout), and eight defeats, was considered a promising talent in the boxing world. The GBA lamented his loss, describing him as a “potential world-beater” whose sudden collapse was shocking.
Official autopsy on the Nigerian boxer
An official autopsy report is awaited to determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, the GBA extended its condolences to the NBBC and the global boxing fraternity, acknowledging that boxing, despite its glory, remains a dangerous sport where deaths have been recorded over the years.
“May the soul of Gabriel Oluwasegun and all other boxers who died in similar circumstances rest in perfect peace,” the statement read.
Olanrewaju’s exploits…
Olanrewaju, a respected figure in Nigerian boxing, previously held both National and West African light-heavyweight titles.
His contributions to the sport in Nigeria and across West Africa have been widely acknowledged, with colleagues and fans paying tribute to his legacy.
