Gabriel Olanrewaju Nigerian boxing champion tragically passed away after collapsing during a professional bout in Ghana. The 40-year-old fighter, known as “Success” in the boxing community, was competing against Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu in an eight-round light heavyweight clash at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra when the shocking incident occurred.
Gabriel Olanrewaju Collapses During Fight
Olanrewaju, a former Nigerian and West African champion, lost consciousness in the third round. Reports indicate that he suddenly stepped back and leaned on the ropes without taking a direct punch. Referee Richard Amevi quickly recognized the emergency, stopping the fight and calling for medical assistance. Ringside physicians and emergency responders administered CPR before transporting him to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead just 30 minutes after arrival.
Controversy Over Fight Sanctioning
The circumstances surrounding the bout have raised serious concerns. The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) stated that Olanrewaju had received medical clearance from the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC). However, the NBBC later denied sanctioning this specific fight, revealing that he was originally scheduled to compete on a different day but was disqualified due to weight issues.
According to NBBC General Secretary Remi Aboderin, Olanrewaju was already on his way back to Nigeria when he decided to take the last-minute fight due to financial struggles.
“[Olanrewaju] got our approval to fight in Ghana, a fight that was proposed to take place on a Friday,” the NBBC told Nigerian newspaper The Punch on Monday. “Unfortunately, during the weigh-in on Thursday, he was found to be overweight. They told him the opponent was not in his weight class. So, he turned back and went to Ghana because he needed the money; he owed a lot of people.”
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Boxing Community Mourns the Loss
Olanrewaju’s passing has left the boxing world in mourning. Aboderin, speaking to BBC Sport Africa, described him as a “fearless” fighter who died a “ring warrior.”
“We are really devastated,” Aboderin said. “[This] is not something we envisaged. We will stand by the family and offer our support.”
With a professional record of 13 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw, Olanrewaju claimed the Nigerian light heavyweight title in 2021 and the West African championship in 2023. However, his career had declined in recent years, with multiple losses leading up to his final bout.
Investigation Launched into Tragic Death
Following the tragic incident, the GBA announced an official investigation into the safety measures in place during the fight. Authorities will scrutinize his last-minute inclusion in the bout and the medical protocols followed to determine if proper regulations were upheld.
