Tragedy Strikes as Nigerian Boxer Collapses and Dies in Ring at Bukom Boxing Arena
- Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju tragically collapsed in the third round of his bout against John Mbanugu on Saturday night at the Bukom Boxing Arena
- Despite immediate efforts by medical personnel to revive him, the fighter was unresponsive, and the match was halted as concerns grew over his condition
- The cause of his sudden collapse and passing remains unknown, pending further medical examination and an official report
Ghana’s boxing community has been hit with a devastating tragedy after Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed and died during a bout on Saturday night.
Olanrewaju was facing Accra-born John Mbanugu, nicknamed "Power," in an undercard bout of Ghana's Professional Boxing League when the tragic incident occurred at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Source: Twitter
Nicknamed Success, Olanrewaju suddenly fell to the canvas mid-fight, prompting the referee to immediately call for medical assistance.
Despite urgent attempts to revive him, the 40-year-old boxer was pronounced dead, with reports suggesting he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
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A video of the fight shared on social media shows both boxers fiercely trading punches before Olanrewaju stumbled and collapsed, with only 15 seconds left in the third round of the scheduled eight-round bout.
Initially, the bell man and timekeeper counted, believing it to be a knockdown, but it quickly became evident that the situation was far more serious.
Medical professionals rushed to the scene, but their efforts to save him proved unsuccessful.
Olanrewaju's boxing record
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.
He has suffered eight defeats and recorded two draws in his career.
However, he had been struggling in recent years, suffering four consecutive losses before this ill-fated bout.
His most recent fight was on December 24 last year, suffering a defeat to Idowu Raheed at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos.
The Ghana Boxing Authority is expected to release an official statement on the tragedy as African boxing mourns the sudden loss of a seasoned fighter.
Azumah Nelson Jr's nightmare in the ring
Meanwhile, Azumah Nelson's son, Dalvin, endured a brutal defeat in his second professional bout earlier this month.
The 28-year-old, who shoulders the weight of being the son of the legendary boxer, showed no semblance to his dad in the ring.
Competing in the Bel 7 Star Boxing League’s lightweight division, Dalvin squared off against Intabikman, hoping to build on his promising start in professional boxing.
Instead, he endured a brutal reality check, according to Ghanaweb.
Source: Twitter
Struggling to find his rhythm, Dalvin appeared overwhelmed, his movement unsteady as he failed to counter the aggression.
The defining moment came when he staggered dangerously close to the ropes, nearly tumbling out of the ring, per Max.com.gh.
By the fifth round, the contest was over—Intabikman secured victory via technical knockout, leaving Dalvin with a painful cut on his eyebrow and a bruised ego.
Azumah Nelson opens up on key to boxing success
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Azumah Nelson revealed the key to his remarkable boxing success and illustrious career.
Between 1979 and 2008, the legendary boxer reigned supreme in the sport, amassing numerous titles and accolades, including the honorary title of Professor.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
