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The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, describing it as a tragic loss to the boxing community.
The former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, aged 40, passed away over the weekend in Ghana after collapsing mid-fight against Accra-born John Mbanugu (A.K.A. “Power”) during an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League.
Speaking to journalists after a condolence visit to Olanrewaju’s family on Monday, NBB of C Secretary-General Remi Aboderin stated that the news came as a rude shock to the board.
He further disclosed that the board had reached out to Ghanaian authorities regarding the autopsy report, which they expect to receive soon.
“Olanrewaju’s death is unfortunate and a huge shock to us. Nigeria and the world have lost a great boxer. We have contacted the authorities in Ghana concerning the autopsy report, and they have assured us that it will be made available soon,” said Aboderin, who also serves as the President of the West African Boxing Union (WABU).
Fight Incident and Medical Response
During the fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Olanrewaju suddenly collapsed in the third round, prompting the referee to immediately call for medical assistance.
Despite the medics’ efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead, with initial reports suggesting that he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
A video circulating on social media showed both fighters engaging in an intense exchange of punches before Olanrewaju stumbled and collapsed. The tragic incident occurred with just 15 seconds left in the third round of the scheduled eight-round bout.
Olanrewaju’s Legacy and Career
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Olanrewaju, a respected figure in Nigerian boxing, held both the National and West African light-heavyweight titles.
According to BoxRec, the Lagos-born boxer had an extensive professional career, featuring in 23 fights, securing 13 wins (12 by knockout), suffering eight defeats, and recording two draws.
His untimely demise marks a great loss to Nigerian boxing, and the boxing community now awaits further details from the autopsy report.
