The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has officially confirmed the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju during a bout in Ghana.
In a press release issued on behalf of GBA by its Director of Communications, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, the 40-year-old seemed to be dominating his fight before the tragic incident happened.
“The Nigerian Gabriel Oluwsegun Olanrewaju took on his Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu in a light heavyweight international contest over 8 rounds on the Imax Boxing Promotions fights bill for the ongoing Bel 7star energy drink professional boxing league for week 15,” said the press release on Sunday, March 30.
“Oluwasegun seemed to have dominated the fight from round one but unfortunately met his untimely exit from the ring in round 3(2 minutes 46 seconds).”
He is said to have stepped back a few seconds to end Round 3 “and leaned on the ropes with his back without any punch whatsoever from his opponent Jon Mbanugu”.
The referee, Richard Amevi, ended the bout after sensing something amiss and invited the ringside physician and paramedics to attend to the boxer.
Viewer Discretion is advised!!!
Moment Nigeria boxer Gabriel Aluwasegun Olanrewagu collapsed and feared dead in his bout against John Mbanugu Saturday night.#OnuaSports pic.twitter.com/2zs377Sxsr
— #OnuaSports (@OnuaSports) March 30, 2025
He was immediately transported to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead 30 minutes after arrival.
Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju was declared medically fit by the Nigeria Boxing Board Control(NBBC) with his certified certificate as a professional boxer sanctioned and approved before the international contest.
His official record is 23-13-8 (12 KOs).
The GBA extended commiserations to the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) and all boxing enthusiasts in Ghana and across the globe.
“There are several deaths recorded in the ring over the years, we pray to the Lord to help protect all boxers during fights.
“Death is indeed unknown and you never know where it will catch up with you.
“May the soul of Gabriel Oluwasengu and all other boxers who died in similar circumstances rest in perfect peace,” the press release concluded.
