Nigerian light-heavyweight boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, known in the boxing community as “Success,” tragically collapsed and died during a bout against Ghanaian opponent Jonathan Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Olanrewaju, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, was competing in Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League. Reports indicate that he was leading on points before the incident occurred.
It is believed that Olanrewaju suffered what appeared to be a cardiac arrest during the match. A widely circulated video on social media captured the moment he collapsed in the ring, raising immediate concern from fans and officials. He was promptly rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, but tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) confirmed Olanrewaju’s death, stating that despite receiving first aid, he passed away 30 minutes after reaching the hospital
The general secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin, expressed deep sorrow over Olanrewaju’s death, calling him a “fearless” fighter and describing his passing as that of a “ring warrior.” Aboderin told BBC Sport Africa, “We are really devastated. This is not something we envisaged. We will stand by the family and live up to our responsibility.”
Before his fatal bout with Mbanugu, Olanrewaju had an official record of 23 fights, with 13 victories and eight defeats. His career, which began in 2019, saw him quickly rise to prominence, securing both national and West African titles.
Olanrewaju’s professional record stood at 13 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws, with an impressive 12 of his victories coming by knockout.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the boxing communities in both Nigeria and Ghana, casting a somber mood across the sport. Fans and fellow athletes have taken to social media to pay tribute to Olanrewaju, remembering him for his dedication, sportsmanship, and contributions to boxing in West Africa.
In response to the incident, the Ghana Boxing Authority has announced plans to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death. They aim to ensure that all safety protocols were adhered to during the bout.
The death of Gabriel Olanrewaju serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of stringent health and safety measures in combat sports. The entire boxing world mourns the loss of Gabriel “Success” Olanrewaju, whose legacy will forever be remembered in the annals of African boxing history.
