The tragic death of Nigerian boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju has raised serious concerns about athlete welfare, financial struggles, and regulatory lapses in professional boxing. The 40-year-old pugilist collapsed in the ring during an unauthorized fight in Accra, Ghana, after accepting a bout he was neither prepared for nor approved to fight in.
What Happened?
Olanrewaju, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, fought against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League on Saturday. Witnesses say he was leading on points but appeared physically drained in the later rounds.
During an exchange, Olanrewaju landed a weak combination before being struck by a right hand from Mbanugu. He staggered backward and collapsed against the ropes. Officials rushed to his aid, and he was taken to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Why Was Olanrewaju Fighting in Ghana?
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) confirmed that Olanrewaju was not cleared to fight in the bout that led to his death. Originally, he was scheduled to fight on Friday but was disqualified for being overweight.
However, desperate for money, Olanrewaju took another fight the next day without authorization. He had initially refused an offer of $500 to fight at a different weight class but later reconsidered, realizing he would return to Nigeria without earnings.
“Segun was cleared to fight on Friday, but his bout was canceled due to weight discrepancies. On Saturday morning, while traveling back to Lagos, he decided to return to Accra for another fight due to financial constraints,” NBBofC Secretary-General Remi Aboderin revealed.
Did He Have Any Warnings?
Yes. Olanrewaju’s coach, Babatunde Ojo, had warned him against taking fights on short notice due to the risks involved.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Boxer Olanrewaju Dies During Fight in Ghana
“He called me about the fight, and I told him not to go. He knew I wouldn’t support it, so he didn’t inform me when he left,” Ojo said.
Was This Fight Even Legal?
No. The NBBofC condemned the Ghana Boxing Association (GBA) for allowing Olanrewaju to fight without proper clearance from Nigeria.
“This is a tragic loss for Nigerian boxing. We must ensure that fighters are better protected, especially when competing outside the country,” Aboderin said.
What Does This Mean for Nigerian Boxing?
Olanrewaju’s death has exposed the financial difficulties many boxers face, pushing them to take dangerous fights for survival. It has also raised concerns about regulatory oversight, especially for Nigerian fighters competing abroad.
Experts are now calling for stricter enforcement of boxing regulations and better welfare support to prevent similar tragedies in the future.