The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has accused the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) of negligence in the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju during a boxing match in Ghana. Olanrewaju, 40, collapsed and died after a bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 in the Ghana Professional Boxing League on Saturday. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols and regulations followed by the GBA during the event.
In an interview on Monday, Remi Aboderin, the secretary-general of the NBB of C, explained that the GBA had failed to follow the necessary rules and regulations before staging the fight, which ultimately led to Olanrewaju’s death. According to Aboderin, the fight did not adhere to the guidelines set by the NBB of C, including the scheduling of the match and medical examinations.
Segun Olanrewaju, known by his boxing nickname “Success,” was participating in a light-heavyweight match against Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. The fight had already seen its fair share of challenges before the tragic collapse. Olanrewaju, who had no significant blows landed on him, suddenly collapsed violently during the third round. Despite the quick efforts to rush him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, he was pronounced dead 30 minutes after arrival.
Olanrewaju’s sudden collapse was not due to any direct punch from his opponent. Eyewitnesses noted that he had been standing and was not in close contact with Mbanugu when he suddenly fell. The nature of his collapse has sparked concerns that there may have been underlying health issues, which could have been prevented or detected if proper medical protocols had been followed.
Aboderin pointed out several critical errors made by the GBA before and during the fight that led to Olanrewaju’s untimely death. One of the most significant issues was the rescheduling of the fight. The bout had been originally scheduled for Thursday, March 28, but was later moved to Friday, March 29, without communication or approval from the NBB of C. According to Aboderin, this change was made without proper notification to the NBB of C, which had approved the fight for the earlier date.
“The fight happened 24 hours later than the date that the NBB of C had approved for the bout,” Aboderin explained. “The date we approved for him to go and fight was Friday, the 28th. How come he fought on the 29th?”
In addition to the schedule change, the NBB of C secretary-general also criticized the GBA for failing to carry out essential medical examinations and ensuring that the fighters underwent the required weigh-ins. According to Aboderin, these steps are crucial to ensuring the health and safety of the fighters before any bout.
“We were not informed that Segun was going to fight on the 29th,” he said. “No medical examinations were performed to ascertain his health. We only have this incident because the rules were not adhered to. When the Friday bout was cancelled due to an overweight issue, Segun was already on his way back to Nigeria. He was already at the border before he was contacted to return. No medical was done. No weigh-in was done. He must have been stressed.”
Segun Olanrewaju, a seasoned boxer, was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion. He had a respectable boxing career, competing in 24 bouts, with 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws. Olanrewaju’s tragic death has shocked not only his family and fans but also the entire boxing community, who now question the safety measures in place for fighters.
His career was marked by determination and a strong will to succeed, and he had earned his place among the top boxers in the region. His untimely death has underscored the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations in combat sports, especially in countries like Ghana and Nigeria, where boxing continues to grow in popularity but lacks some of the robust safety frameworks found in more established boxing nations.
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death. The NBB of C has expressed disappointment with the GBA’s handling of the situation and is demanding answers. The organization’s statement serves as a warning to other boxing authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of boxers, ensuring that all necessary medical checks are carried out before any fight.
Aboderin’s statements have drawn attention to the growing issue of negligence in boxing, not just in Ghana but in many parts of Africa where resources and regulations are often lacking. For boxing to continue to grow in Africa, the safety of its fighters must be prioritized above all else, according to experts. Ensuring proper medical screenings, following the correct fight schedules, and conducting weigh-ins are crucial steps in safeguarding the health of boxers.
The incident has also ignited conversations on social media, with many fans and fellow boxers expressing their sadness and outrage. Some have called for the GBA to be held accountable for failing to adhere to established boxing rules, while others are advocating for a closer look at the health standards in place across the sport in African countries.
This tragic event highlights a broader issue in boxing, particularly in African countries like Nigeria and Ghana. While boxing is a beloved sport, there is an urgent need to ensure that proper safety regulations and medical checks are consistently followed to protect fighters from avoidable tragedies.
The death of Segun Olanrewaju should serve as a wake-up call for boxing authorities in both countries to implement stricter guidelines for the staging of fights, including mandatory health checks before, during, and after the bout. It is equally important for fighters to be given adequate rest and recovery time between bouts to reduce the risk of serious injuries or complications.
