Nigerian boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju tragically passed away in Accra, Ghana, after collapsing in the ring during a fight he was not officially cleared to take.
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) revealed that his original bout, scheduled for Friday, was canceled after he failed the weigh-in, yet he later agreed to fight on Saturday in a desperate bid to earn money.
The 40-year-old former national and West African light-heavyweight champion was ahead on points when disaster struck during his contest against Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at Bukom Boxing Arena. In the eighth round, Olanrewaju threw two weak punches before Mbanugu responded with a right hand to his face. Moments later, the Nigerian stumbled backward, collapsed against the ropes, and fell to the canvas, shocking the crowd.
Referee officials rushed to check on him as his team scrambled into the ring, removing his gum shield and attempting to revive him. The arena’s emergency medical staff transported him to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to NBBofC Secretary-General Remi Aboderin, Olanrewaju had initially secured approval for a Friday fight but was ruled out for being overweight. “Segun got our approval to fight in Ghana on Friday, but during the weigh-in, he was found overweight. The organizers offered to increase his purse by $500, but he refused, so the fight didn’t happen,” Aboderin explained.
The next morning, while traveling back to Nigeria, Olanrewaju reconsidered his decision. “He told his coach, Diran Alamu, that returning home empty-handed would be too difficult. He had debts to pay and needed the money,” Aboderin revealed. He then contacted the organizers and agreed to fight for the additional $500. “This is where the Ghana Boxing Association (GBA) failed. He had no approval for that fight, but they still let it happen,” Aboderin added.
Olanrewaju’s coach, Babatunde Ojo, had strongly advised against taking a fight on such short notice. “When he told me about the fight, I warned him it was too soon. He wasn’t in training, and I told him to wait for a better opportunity,” Ojo said. Initially, Olanrewaju claimed the fight was scheduled for April 1, but later informed his coach that it had been moved up to March 29.
“I told him to ask the organizers to book a flight if he really wanted to go, but they only offered a car ride, which I didn’t think was acceptable,” Ojo recalled. Despite his warnings, Olanrewaju was determined. “He got the release letter but didn’t tell me. He knew I wouldn’t let him go, so he went in secret,” the coach lamented.
Ojo expressed his deep sorrow over the loss. “This is exactly what I warn my fighters about. You don’t take fights on short notice. A boxer needs at least a month to prepare properly. Now, we have lost him. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.
Olanrewaju’s tragic death has raised serious concerns about boxer welfare and regulatory oversight in professional boxing. His passing is a painful reminder of the risks fighters take, especially when financial struggles push them into dangerous decisions.
