GBA Under Fire as Top Nigerian Boxing Official Demands Accountability for Olanrewaju’s Death

• The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has been held culpable for the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju by an official
• According to the General Secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC), the GBA should take responsibility for the incident
• Meanwhile, the boxing fraternity and the wider sporting circle are awaiting the autopsy report on Olanrewaju that was due this week

The tragic passing of Gabriel Olanrewaju has sparked intense scrutiny, with Remi Aboderin, General Secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC), calling for accountability from the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

While emphasising that his association was not in conflict with its Ghanaian counterpart, Aboderin insisted that lapses in protocol contributed to the unfortunate loss of the 40-year-old fighter midway through a bout.

Olanrewaju, widely known as 'Success', collapsed midway through his scheduled eight-round bout against Ghana’s rising pugilist Jonathan Mbunagu, per Graphic Online.

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The undercard contest, which took place at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29, 2025, was marred by concerns over possible medical oversight and regulatory negligence.

GBA under fire from top NBBC official

Aboderin conceded that the NBBC had medically cleared Olanrewaju before his trip to Ghana.

However, he believes the GBA should have conducted its own independent assessment before allowing the veteran fighter to step into the ring.

"We’re not at war with the GBA, but we’re only saying that the rules were not followed. So the GBA must be held accountable for allowing such to happen," Aboderin told Sporty FM.

Beyond medical clearances, the fight itself raised red flags.

According to Aboderin, the match was initially scheduled for March 28 but was cancelled due to Olanrewaju’s failure to meet the weigh-in requirements. However, the bout was hurriedly rescheduled for March 29.

"The GBA erred from the start of the bout. The boxer weighed more than the normal weight required. He shouldn’t have competed."

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He also claimed that no pre-fight medical assessment was conducted by the GBA - not just for Olanrewaju, but also for another Nigerian fighter who participated on the same night.

"No medical was done by the GBA to check his vitals. Even the other Nigerian boxer who fought on the same night didn’t do any medical. The GBA erred there too."

Pattern of boxing fatalities after Olanrewaju's demise

Olanrewaju’s case is not an isolated incident. CBS News reported that at least six boxers have died from injuries sustained in the ring since February 2024.

In February, Irish fighter John Cooney succumbed to an intracranial hemorrhage one week after a super featherweight contest in Belfast.

In November, Fijian boxer Ubayd Haider collapsed in a bout in New Zealand, later passing away from related injuries.

As investigations into Olanrewaju’s passing continue, the autopsy report is still pending, leaving many unanswered questions regarding the true cause of death.

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What is certain, however, is that the conversation around boxer safety and regulatory enforcement has never been more urgent.

Last opponent of Olanrewaju contemplates early retirement

YEN.com.gh also reported that Jonathan Mbunagu, the last opponent of Olanrewaju, was contemplating stepping away from boxing.

His manager stated that the 22-year-old Ghanaian fighter had been profoundly shaken by his opponent collapsing in the ring.

To aid his recovery, respected figures have been enlisted to provide Mbunagu with emotional support after the traumatic event.

Source: YEN.com.gh