Nigerian Boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju Dies in Ghana

Photo : Instagram / @fightgistmedia

Gabriel Oluwasegun "Success" Olanrewaju, a Nigerian boxer, sadly passed away after falling during a fight in Ghana. The 40-year-old was a former champion of Nigeria and West Africa in light-heavyweight boxing. He collapsed onto the ropes during the third round of his fight without even being hit by his opponent.

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The boxer took a step back and leaned against the ropes just before the end of the third round. The referee saw he was in trouble and stopped the fight. The doctor and paramedics quickly tried to help him, but he was rushed to the hospital. Sadly, he was declared dead 30 minutes later.

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) said Olanrewaju had been checked and was healthy before the fight by the Nigeria Boxing Board Control (NBBC), which had approved the fight. However, later the NBBC said that they did not approve this particular match.

Reports said Olanrewaju was supposed to fight on Friday, but he did not pass the weight check. He tried to return to Nigeria, but because he did not have enough money, he stayed in Ghana. Remi Aboderin, from the NBBC, said Olanrewaju had debts and could not go back home.

"He owed many people money," said Aboderin. "The matchmaker told him about another fight on Saturday, but we did not agree with that fight."

Babatunde Ojo, a former coach of Olanrewaju, had warned him not to fight on short notice. "You need at least one month to prepare for a fight," Ojo said. "I am very sad about his death. May his soul rest in peace."

Aboderin also expressed sadness about Olanrewaju's death, calling him a "brave fighter" and said the NBBC would support his family in this difficult time.

This tragic event has shocked the boxing world, and people are mourning the loss of Olanrewaju, a respected boxer. Many are now asking how someone can collapse without being hurt during a fight. The cause of his death is still unknown, and the boxing community is waiting for more answers.

Olanrewaju’s death is a sad reminder of the risks that boxers face, even if they are declared healthy before a fight.