World Boxing Organisation Reacts to Nigerian Boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju’s Death, Drops Urgent Note

• The World Boxing Organisation has issued an urgent message following the unfortunate passing of Gabriel Olanrewaju
• Olanrewaju, a 40-year-old Nigerian boxer, met his untimely death after he collapsed midway through his bout in Ghana
• The coming days are set to determine whether this devastating incident leads to meaningful reforms in the world of boxing

The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has expressed deep sorrow over the untimely passing of Gabriel Olanrewaju, the Nigerian fighter who collapsed mid-bout in Ghana on March 29, 2025.

His demise has sparked widespread concern, with the global boxing community mourning the loss of a competitor whose career was cut short under heartbreaking circumstances.

Olanrewaju: should boxing bout have happened?

Originally, Olanrewaju - nicknamed Success - was scheduled to enter the ring on March 28. However, due to infractions at his weigh-in, the contest was called off.

With his fight cancelled, he was set to return to Nigeria but made an unexpected decision to remain in Ghana after a last-minute renegotiation with matchmakers.

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This turn of events saw him added to the undercard against rising Ghanaian talent John Mbunagu on Saturday, March 29, at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

It was during this clash that disaster struck. Midway through the bout, Olanrewaju suddenly staggered, lost balance, and collapsed against the ropes.

Medical personnel at ringside rushed to his aid, stabilising him before arranging an emergency transfer to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Tragically, despite medical personnel's efforts, he was pronounced dead just 30 minutes after arrival at the facility, according to the BBC.

WBO speaks on Gabriel Olanrewaju's tragic death

As tributes continue to flood in, the WBO has now weighed in with a heartfelt statement, extending condolences to the late boxer’s family and calling for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents.

"The WBO family is deeply saddened by the passing of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju," the Puerto Rico-based body wrote on X.

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While expressing sympathy, the governing body did not shy away from addressing serious concerns, stressing the critical need for improved safety protocols in boxing to avoid more tragedies of this nature.

"This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for rigorous testing protocols to ensure the health and safety of our fighters."

Their message serves as a wake-up call for regulatory bodies, emphasising the need for comprehensive medical screening before allowing fighters to step into the ring.

NBBC president blasts GBA over Olanrewaju

Beyond the health concerns raised by the WBO, another troubling issue has emerged -was Olanrewaju even cleared to fight in Ghana on March 29?

According to Dr Rafiu Oladipo, President of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, the boxer was only officially sanctioned to compete on March 28.

This means the additional fight he participated in the following day was not approved by Nigerian boxing authorities.

In a statement to Sporty FM in Accra, Dr Oladipo expressed disbelief that the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) permitted the contest to go ahead under such circumstances, per BoxingScene.

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"Segun Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing in the ring, was not sanctioned to fight on Saturday. He was to fight on Friday, March 29, 2025, so why should the GBA allow the match to happen on Saturday? The permission letter we gave him was to fight on Friday."

His comments have raised serious questions about the oversight and decision-making processes within Ghana’s boxing regulatory body.

What Olanrewaju would have earned before death

In a related publication, YEN.com.gh reported that new details have emerged regarding Gabriel Olanrewaju's tragic passing.

While an official autopsy report is yet to be released, information about the prize money he stood to earn has since come to light.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh