In a tragic turn of events, Nigerian light-heavyweight boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, aged 40, collapsed during a bout against Ghanaian boxer Jonathan Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Saturday night, March 29, 2025. The match was part of Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
The incident occurred when Olanrewaju landed two punches on Mbanugu, who countered with a right hand to Olanrewaju’s face. Immediately after, Olanrewaju staggered backward, fell against the ropes, and collapsed in the ring. Medical personnel promptly attended to him and transported him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Olanrewaju, known by his ring name “Success,” had a professional boxing record of 13 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws, with 12 victories by knockout. He began his professional career in 2019 and was the former West African Light Heavyweight Champion. 
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has confirmed Olanrewaju’s death and extended condolences to his family and the Nigerian boxing community. The GBA is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This unfortunate event underscores the inherent risks associated with boxing and highlights the critical importance of stringent medical protocols and safety measures to protect athletes in the sport.
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