Nigerian boxer collapses, dies in ring during fight
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
A 40-year-old Nigerian boxer, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, has died after collapsing during a boxing match in Ghana.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, was facing Accra-born John Mbanugu, nicknamed “Power” in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League.
The sad incident occurred at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29.
Olanrewaju suddenly fell to the canvas mid-fight, prompting the referee to immediately call for medical assistance.
Medical professionals rushed to the scene but in spite the attempts to revive him, the boxer was pronounced dead, with reports suggesting he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
A video of the fight shared on social media showed both boxers fiercely trading punches before Olanrewaju stumbled and collapsed.
However, this occurred with only 15 seconds left in the third round of their scheduled eight-round bout.
Olanrewaju, a respected figure in Nigerian boxing, previously held both National and West African light-heavyweight titles.
According to BoxRec Olanrewaju, born in Lagos, had an extensive boxing career, competing in 23 professional fights, securing 13 wins, with 12 coming by knockout.
He suffered eight defeats and recorded two draws in his career.
However, he had been struggling in recent years, suffering four consecutive losses before his tragic death.
His most recent fight was on Dec. 24, 2024, suffering a defeat to Idowu Rasheed at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
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