Boxing/Tragedy in the Ring: Nigerian boxing champion dies during Ghana match
The African boxing community is mourning the sudden death of Nigerian light heavyweight champion Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during an international bout in Accra on Saturday. The 31-year-old former West African titleholder lost consciousness in the third round of his Ghana Professional Boxing League match against local fighter Jon Mbanugu at the iconic Bukom Boxing Arena.
Timeline of the tragedy:
- Round 3: Oluwasegun collapsed during active competition
- Immediate response: Ringside medics administered emergency care
- Hospital Transfer: Transported to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital within 15 minutes
- Official Pronouncement: Declared dead 30 minutes after arrival
The Ghana Boxing Authority suspended all matches scheduled for the remainder of the weekend following the incident.
Nigerian boxing officials have pledged full support to Oluwasegun’s family, with the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control describing the late athlete as “the embodiment of a true warrior who gave his all until the final bell.”
Career Highlights:
• 23 professional fights (13-8 record)
• 2019 Nigerian National Light Heavyweight Champion
• 2021 West African Boxing Union Titleholder
• Rated among Africa’s top 15 light heavyweights
Medical personnel are conducting a full autopsy while both national boxing federation’s review safety protocols.
This marks the first fatality in the newly established Ghana Professional Boxing League, raising questions about pre-fight medical screenings in regional.
