The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has officially confirmed the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who passed away during a bout on Saturday night, March 29, 2025.
According to a GBA statement, the Nigerian boxer received medical clearance before facing Ghanaian boxer John Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
“Oluwasegun was declared medically fit by the Nigeria Boxing Board Control with his certification as a professional boxer before the GBA sanctioned and approved the international contest,” the statement said.
The GBA also explained how events happened on the bout day, stating that “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).
“Oluwasegun, a few seconds before the end of round 3, stepped back during the fight and leaned on the ropes with his back without any punch whatsoever from his opponent.
“The referee, Richard Amevi, sensing danger, waved his hand for the end of the fight and immediately invited the ringside physician, with the support of paramedics from the national ambulance service to attend to the boxer to help resuscitate him.”
The statement added that the GBA President, Abraham Kotei Neequaye, has informed the Secretary of the Nigerian Boxing Board Control about the unfortunate incident that occurred.
“The GBA President reported the incident to the Korle Bu Police Station and this morning helped to move the body to the main mortuary for preservation.
“The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, was formally informed by the GBA President of the unfortunate incident,” the statement added.
The Nigerian boxer had 24 professional fights, 13 victories, eight losses, and three draws.
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