Accra, Ghana – Nigerian professional boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju tragically passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a light-heavyweight bout against Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
The 40-year-old former National and West African light-heavyweight champion was reportedly leading on points before the tragic incident in the scheduled eight-round contest.
However, the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has revealed that Olanrewaju did not have official approval to participate in the fatal fight, as his originally sanctioned bout was cancelled due to weight issues.
Fatal Collapse in the Ring
Spectators at the Bukom Boxing Arena were left in shock as Olanrewaju lost consciousness moments after receiving a right-hand blow from Mbanugu, also known as “Jon Power,” who holds a record of 12 wins, one loss, and one draw, with all victories coming via knockout.
Eyewitnesses reported that the Nigerian boxer had landed two weak punches on Mbanugu before being struck in return. After a brief exchange, Olanrewaju staggered backward, fell against the ropes, and collapsed.
Initially, the referee began the mandatory count, unaware of the severity of the situation. However, as Olanrewaju turned face down with his throat resting against the ropes, panic ensued. His team immediately entered the ring, placed him on the canvas, and removed his gum shield while attempting to revive him.
Despite their efforts, Olanrewaju remained unresponsive. The on-site emergency medical team swiftly transported him to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Unapproved Bout and Financial Struggles
Secretary-General of the NBBofC, Remi Aboderin, disclosed to The PUNCH that Olanrewaju had been granted permission to fight in Ghana, but only for a bout scheduled on Friday. That fight was later cancelled after he was deemed overweight during the weigh-in on Thursday.
“Segun got our approval to fight in Ghana, a fight that was proposed to take place on a Friday. Unfortunately, they did weigh-in on Thursday and he was found to be overweight, and they told him the person he was to fight was not his weight,” Aboderin explained.
Desperate to fight and earn money to clear his debts back home, Olanrewaju opted to participate in the Saturday bout without official approval from the NBBofC.
Reports indicate that he was offered an additional $500 to compensate for the weight mismatch, but he declined due to dissatisfaction with the amount. However, he still proceeded to fight the following day.
Concerns Over Fighter Safety
Olanrewaju’s death has sparked concerns over fighter safety and regulatory oversight in professional boxing. His participation in an unsanctioned fight, coupled with the decision to compete despite prior weight concerns, has raised questions about how closely boxing authorities monitor fighters’ conditions and enforce rules to prevent such tragedies.
Tributes have since poured in from the boxing community, with many calling for stricter enforcement of regulations to protect fighters from similar incidents in the future.
As investigations into Olanrewaju’s death continue, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with the sport and the importance of ensuring that boxers are fit and properly sanctioned before entering the ring.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
