Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju slumps, dies during fight

Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju has passed away after collapsing during a boxing match in Ghana.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra during Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League. Olanrewaju, 40, was competing against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu in a light-heavyweight bout when he suddenly collapsed in the third round—without being hit or in close proximity to his opponent.

The referee immediately halted the fight as medical personnel rushed into the ring. Olanrewaju was quickly transported to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin, confirmed the boxer’s death on Sunday.

Olanrewaju was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion with a professional record of 24 fights, including 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.

His death echoes a similar tragedy in 2022 when Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, another Nigerian boxer, died after suffering a technical knockout (TKO) at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta. Igboanugo succumbed to a fatal blow to the nose.

Olanrewaju’s sudden passing has left the boxing community in mourning, as tributes pour in for the fallen fighter.