Nigerian boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju tragically passed away in Accra, Ghana, after collapsing in the ring during an unsanctioned fight. The 40-year-old former national and West African light-heavyweight champion had not been officially cleared for the bout.
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) revealed that Olanrewaju was initially scheduled to fight on Friday but failed to make weight, leading to the cancellation of his match. However, in a desperate attempt to earn money, he agreed to a different fight on Saturday.
Olanrewaju was ahead on points against Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena when tragedy struck in the eighth round. After throwing two weak punches, he was met with a right-hand strike from Mbanugu. Moments later, he stumbled backward, collapsed against the ropes, and fell to the canvas, stunning the audience.
Referees and his team immediately rushed to his aid, removing his gum shield and attempting to revive him. Emergency medical staff transported him to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
NBBofC Secretary-General Remi Aboderin explained that Olanrewaju had been cleared to fight on Friday but was ruled ineligible after failing the weigh-in. "Segun got our approval for Friday's bout, but he was found overweight. The organizers offered to increase his purse by $500, but he declined, so the fight was canceled," Aboderin stated.
The next day, Olanrewaju reconsidered his decision while traveling back to Nigeria. "He told his coach, Diran Alamu, that going home empty-handed was not an option because he had debts to settle," Aboderin disclosed. In a bid to secure the additional $500, Olanrewaju reached out to the organizers and agreed to fight. "This is where the Ghana Boxing Association (GBA) failed. He had no approval for that fight, but they allowed it to happen anyway," Aboderin added.
His coach, Babatunde Ojo, had strongly advised against accepting a last-minute fight. "When he told me about it, I warned him against it. He wasn’t in proper training, and I advised him to wait for a better opportunity," Ojo said. Initially, Olanrewaju mentioned an April 1 fight, but he later informed his coach that it had been moved to March 29.
"I told him to insist on a proper flight arrangement if he was going, but they only offered him a car ride, which I didn’t think was acceptable," Ojo recalled. Despite his warnings, Olanrewaju was determined to proceed. "He secured the release letter without informing me. He knew I wouldn’t let him go, so he went in secret," Ojo lamented.
Expressing his grief, Ojo emphasized the dangers of taking fights on short notice. "This is exactly what I warn my fighters about. A boxer needs at least a month to prepare properly. Now, we have lost him. It’s heartbreaking," he said.
Olanrewaju’s tragic passing has raised serious concerns about boxer welfare and regulatory oversight in professional boxing. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers fighters face, especially when financial pressures force them into high-risk situations.