The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has confirmed the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who passed away during a bout on Saturday March 29, 2025, at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
Olanrewaju had been facing Ghanaian boxer John Mbanugu in an international contest when the fatal incident occurred.
In a statement, the GBA clarified that Olanrewaju had been medically cleared before the fight.
“Oluwasegun was declared medically fit by the Nigeria Boxing Board Control with his certification as a professional boxer before the GBA sanctioned and approved the international contest,” the statement read.
This clearance was obtained ahead of the match, which the GBA had authorized as part of an international boxing event.
Despite seeming to dominate the fight in the initial rounds, Olanrewaju’s condition took a sudden turn during the third round.
“Oluwasegun seemed to have dominated the fight from round one but unfortunately met his untimely exit from the ring in round 3 (2 minutes 46 seconds),” the statement added.
It was reported that, moments before the tragic incident, Olanrewaju stepped back and leaned on the ropes, showing no signs of taking a punch from his opponent. This led to a swift response from the referee.
Referee Richard Amevi, sensing something was wrong, immediately waved for the end of the fight.
“The referee, Richard Amevi, sensing danger, waved his hand for the end of the fight and immediately invited the ringside physician, with the support of paramedics from the national ambulance service, to attend to the boxer to help resuscitate him,” the GBA explained.
Despite these efforts, Olanrewaju could not be revived.
In response to the incident, the GBA President, Abraham Kotei Neequaye, took immediate steps.
The GBA President reported the incident to the Korle Bu Police Station and the body was moved to the main mortuary for preservation.
Additionally, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, was informed of the tragedy by the GBA President.
Olanrewaju, who had an extensive boxing career, was a veteran in the ring, with 24 professional bouts, including 13 victories, eight losses, and three draws.
His sudden death has shocked the boxing community, both in Ghana and Nigeria, raising concerns about the risks involved in the sport.
The GBA also reached out to the Nigerian Boxing Board Control to inform them of the unfortunate incident.
“The GBA President has informed the Secretary of the Nigerian Boxing Board Control about the unfortunate incident that occurred,” the statement concluded.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
