In a heart-wrenching event that has rocked the boxing world, Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju’s life was tragically cut short during a bout in Accra, Ghana. The 40-year-old athlete collapsed during his light heavyweight match at the Bukom Boxing Arena against opponent Jon Mbanugu, leaving the sporting community in mourning.
The match, which took place on a fateful Friday, saw Olanrewaju fighting vigorously through two rounds before the incident occurred in the third. Without any contact from Mbanugu, Olanrewaju unexpectedly stepped back, leaned against the ropes, and lost consciousness. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the referee promptly halted the fight, calling for immediate medical intervention.
Despite the swift response from the ringside physician and the national ambulance service paramedics, their efforts to resuscitate him proved futile. Olanrewaju was rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead within half an hour of his arrival.
This fight was not just another match in Olanrewaju’s career but a continuation of his international boxing journey, having been cleared by the Nigeria Boxing Board Control and sanctioned by the Ghana Boxing Authority for this cross-border contest.
Olanrewaju’s boxing career was marked by notable highs and lows. After making his professional debut in July 2019, he quickly made a name for himself by securing the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control Nigerian light heavyweight belt in 2021, following an impressive five-fight knockout streak. His prowess in the ring earned him the West African Boxing Union light heavyweight title, though his journey was also marred by subsequent losses, including his last fight before the tragic incident.
The loss of Olanrewaju has sent ripples through the sports community, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and a review of safety protocols in the sport. The Ghana Boxing Authority, along with sports officials, have expressed their devastation and have committed to supporting Olanrewaju’s family during this difficult time.
This incident is a somber reminder of the risks athletes face in pursuit of their passion and the ever-present need for stringent safety measures in the world of sports.
