VIDEO: Nigerian Boxer Collapses, Dies During Fight in Ghana

A 40-year-old Nigerian boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, collapsed and died during a boxing match on March 29 at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Ghana.

Olanrewaju, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, was facing John Mbanugu in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League.

The boxer suddenly fell to the canvas mid-fight, prompting the referee to call for medical assistance. Despite attempts to revive him, Olanrewaju was pronounced dead, with reports suggesting he may have suffered cardiac arrest.

Olanrewaju had an extensive boxing career, competing in 23 professional fights, securing 13 wins, with 12 coming by knockout. He had been struggling in recent years, suffering four consecutive losses before his tragic death.

The boxing community is in shock over the loss of the respected Nigerian boxer.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, was facing Accra-born John Mbanugu, nicknamed “Power” in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League.

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Olanrewaju suddenly fell to the canvas mid-fight, prompting the referee to immediately call for medical assistance.

Medical professionals rushed to the scene but in spite the attempts to revive him, the boxer was pronounced dead, with reports suggesting he may have suffered cardiac arrest.

A video of the fight shared on social media showed  both boxers fiercely trading punches before Olanrewaju stumbled and collapsed.

However, this occurred with only 15 seconds left in the third round of their scheduled eight-round bout.

Olanrewaju, a respected figure in Nigerian boxing, previously held both National and West African light-heavyweight titles.

According to BoxRec, Olanrewaju, born in Lagos, had an extensive boxing career, competing in 23 professional fights, securing 13 wins, with 12 coming by knockout.

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He suffered eight defeats and recorded two draws in his career.

However, he had been struggling in recent years, suffering four consecutive losses before his tragic death.

His most recent fight was on December 24, 2024, suffering a defeat to Idowu Rasheed at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos.