Nigerian boxer dies in Ghana after collapsing during bout

Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju was declared dead in neighbouring Ghana over the weekend after collapsing in the ring during a bout on Saturday evening.

The heartbreaking incident took place when Segun collapsed and died during a bout against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

Olarenwaju, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, was competing at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League when he suddenly lost consciousness in the third round.

Reports indicate that he was ahead on points before the incident occurred.

In a viral video that has since been widely shared on social media, the boxer is seen collapsing after being hit by his opponent and falling on the portion ropes.

According to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, urgent efforts were initiated by ringside staff to assist the fallen Olarenwaju.

However, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he remained unresponsive and was rushed to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

According to Nigerian media, Olanrewaju, who was 40, had a professional record of 23 matches with 13 wins with 12 as knockouts.

Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin, told Nigerian outlet The Punch, that the boxing body permitted Olanrewaju to fight on Friday but the bout was cancelled.

Aboderin said the late boxer decided to fight the next day so he could make some money to clear debts back home.

“Segun got our approval to fight in Ghana, a fight that was proposed to take place on a Friday. Unfortunately, they did their weigh-in on Thursday, and he was found to be overweight, and they told him the person he was to fight was not his weight," remarked Aboderin.

According to the report, the boxer, despite advice to avoid the bout, which was considered short notice by his team, proceeded to take part, leading to his eventual death.