The Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra became the scene of a devastating tragedy on Saturday night (March 29, 2025) when Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed mid-fight against Ghana’s Jonathan Mbanugu.
The 40-year-old, known in the boxing fraternity as ‘Success,’ was rushed by ambulance to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where doctors fought desperately to revive him.
Despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead, leaving the boxing community in shock and mourning.
Uncertain bout
The ill-fated clash was initially scheduled for Friday night on the undercard of the ACE Power Promotions ‘Street to Champions’ event at Bukom Park.
Both Olanrewaju and Mbanugu gained weight on Thursday, but last-minute contractual disputes led to the cancellation of their fight, frustrating both camps.
Disheartened, Olanrewaju planned his departure, purchasing a bus ticket to Lagos alongside fellow Nigerian boxer Toheeb Kolajo, who had suffered a defeat to Ghana’s Emmanuel Quartey the previous evening.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, Olanrewaju had a change of heart on Saturday morning, reaching out to the promoters to confirm his willingness to fight.
Swift arrangements were made, and the bout was added to the undercard of Fight3 Night 15 of the 2024/25 Ghana Professional League, hosted by Imax Promotions.
Routine fight, tragic end
As the opening rounds unfolded, neither fighter appeared in distress. Both men cautiously tested each other, exchanging measured blows without taking excessive risks. By round three, Mbanugu began pressing forward, forcing Olanrewaju to backpedal.
The Nigerian countered effectively, even attempting an uppercut that Mbanugu skillfully blocked.
Then, in an instant, the lively contest descended into horror. Without warning, Olanrewaju began retreating as if in a trance before collapsing against the ropes.
His body slumped unnaturally, his limbs motionless, leaving ringside spectators and television viewers across the country in stunned silence.
Referee Daniel Ablormeti initially counted as though it were a standard knockdown but quickly realised the gravity of the situation, frantically summoning ringside physician Dr Edward Asante.
“I did my best to open his mouth, which was shut, and removed his gum shield before instructing the ambulance team to rush him to the hospital,” Dr Asante recounted to Graphic Online.
Despite immediate medical intervention at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the Nigerian fighter succumbed to his condition.
Mystery Surrounds Cause of Death
An autopsy is expected to determine the exact cause of death. However, officials confirmed that Olanrewaju had been cleared to fight, having presented a medical certificate sanctioned by the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control upon his arrival in Ghana.
Ghanaian boxing matchmaker Yussif Mubarak Nanor expressed disbelief at the tragic incident, stressing that there had been no visible signs of ill health leading up to the bout.
“We are in shock. Even his team in Nigeria is struggling to believe it because ‘Success’ was very well. This is an unbelievable and sad development,” Nanor lamented.
“He fought (Bastie Samir’s conqueror) Idowu Rasheed as recently as December and was medically cleared before this fight,” he added.
Dr Asante, too, remains perplexed. “From what I saw, he didn’t collapse from a punch, so it’s difficult to determine the cause. If he had an underlying medical condition, perhaps his family or doctors familiar with his history could provide insight,” he noted solemnly.
Sport in mourning
The boxing fraternity, both in Ghana and Nigeria, has been left reeling from this heartbreaking loss.
Tributes are pouring in for Olanrewaju, a fighter remembered for his determination and passion for the sport.
His tragic passing underscores the inherent risks of professional boxing and raises fresh concerns about medical screening and fighter safety in the sport.
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