The 40-year-old boxer was competing against Ghanaian fighter John Mbanugu, also known as “Power,” in an undercard match.
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – The Nigerian boxing community is mourning the tragic loss of Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, a former national and West African light-heavyweight champion, who collapsed and died during a bout in Ghana.
The 40-year-old boxer was competing against Ghanaian fighter John Mbanugu, also known as “Power,” in an undercard match at Ghana’s Professional Boxing League when the fatal incident occurred.
The fight, held on Saturday, March 29, at the Bukom Boxing Arena, was progressing intensely when Olanrewaju suddenly fell to the canvas with only 15 seconds remaining in the third round of the scheduled eight-round contest.
“It was shocking to see him collapse like that. He was giving it his all,” an eyewitness said.
The referee immediately signaled for medical assistance, prompting paramedics to rush in and administer emergency care. Despite their best efforts, Olanrewaju was pronounced dead, with early indications suggesting a possible cardiac arrest as the cause.
Footage of the match, now widely circulated online, captures the intense exchanges between the two fighters before Olanrewaju lost his balance and collapsed.
The Lagos-born boxer ad a commendable professional career, securing 13 victories—12 of them by knockout—out of 23 fights.
However, in recent years, he faced setbacks, suffering four consecutive losses leading up to this fateful bout. His last fight before the Ghana match was on December 24, 2024, when he was defeated by Idowu Raheed at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos.
His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the boxing world. “He was a true fighter, always determined to win,” a fellow boxer remarked.
Fans, fellow fighters, and sports enthusiasts continue to pay tribute to a once-formidable champion.