Nigerian light-heavyweight boxer Gabriel Oluwaseun Olanrewaju, known as ‘Success’, tragically died during a fight against Ghanaian boxer Jonathan Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29.
The bout, part of the Bel 7 Star Professional Boxing League fight night, ended in heartbreak.
Olanrewaju, 40, entered the ring against Mbanugu, who had a strong record of 12 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 12 knockouts.
Just moments into the fight, Olanrewaju landed a couple of weak punches before Mbanugu hit him with a powerful right jab.
The blow caused Olanrewaju to stagger, fall onto the ropes, and collapse.
The crowd quickly recognised that something was seriously wrong.
Olanrewaju’s corner team rushed to his side, and the referee began the count.
However, moments later, the boxer fell face-down, struggling to breathe.
The medical team was immediately on-site and transported him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
At the time of his death, Olanrewaju had a record of 13 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws, with 12 of his victories coming by knockout.
Despite a promising start to his career, he had faced difficulties in recent years, with a four-fight losing streak.
His career included international bouts, but Olanrewaju had been defeated in all of his fights outside Nigeria, including six in Russia and two at home.
Olanrewaju’s untimely death has deeply shaken the boxing community, and condolences have poured in from fans and fellow fighters alike.
The Ghana Boxing Authority has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but the loss of such a dedicated athlete is felt across the sport.
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