Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju passed away tragically during an international match in the current Bel 7star Energy Drink Professional Boxing League, according to confirmation from the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).
The boxing world was shocked by the incident that happened last Saturday during Week 15 of the league.
At the Imax Boxing Promotions event, light heavyweight boxer Olanrewaju squared off against Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu in an eight-round bout.
In Round 3 (2 minutes 46 seconds), the Nigerian fighter abruptly leaned on the ropes without taking any punches from his opponent, despite dominating the first several rounds, according to witnesses. Referee Richard Amevi stopped the bout right away and signaled for help.
After administering immediate aid, National Ambulance Service paramedics and ringside doctors hurried Olanrewaju to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Unfortunately, 30 minutes after arriving, he was declared dead.
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) and local authorities were promptly contacted by GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye, who was on the spot.
“The GBA president reported the incident to the Korle Bu Police Station and helped move the body to the main mortuary for preservation,” according to the announcement. Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, was also informed.
Olanrewaju had a professional record of 23 fights, 13 wins (12 by knockout), and 8 losses. He was medically certified by the NBBC. He was “dictating a beautiful fight” and “a potential world beater” prior to his abrupt collapse, according to the GBA.
The GBA offered its sympathies to the NBBC and boxing fans around the world in a mournful statement: “Over the years, a number of deaths have been reported in the ring. We ask the Lord to keep all boxers safe throughout battles. Indeed, death is unpredictable, and you never know where it will find you.
To ascertain the official cause of death, an autopsy is still waiting. In closing, the GBA expressed their condolences for the death, saying, “May the soul of Gabriel Oluwasegun and all other boxers who died in similar circumstances rest in perfect peace.”
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