NBB of C mourns Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju, awaits autopsy report
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, describing it as a significant loss to the boxing community.
The former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, aged 40, passed away over the weekend in Ghana after collapsing during a bout against Accra-born John Mbanugu, a.k.a. “Power,” in an undercard fight of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League.
Speaking to journalists after the board paid a condolence visit to Olanrewaju’s family on Monday, NBB of C Secretary-General Remi Aboderin said the tragic incident at the Bukom Boxing Arena was a rude shock to the board and the entire boxing fraternity.
He disclosed that the board has contacted Ghanaian authorities regarding Olanrewaju’s autopsy report and is awaiting its release.
“Olanrewaju’s death was unfortunate and a huge shock to us. Nigeria and the world have lost a great boxer. We have made contact with the authorities in Ghana concerning the autopsy report, which they have promised to make available,” said Aboderin, who also serves as the President of the West African Boxing Union.
Olanrewaju collapsed mid-fight, prompting the referee to immediately call for medical assistance. Despite medics’ efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead, with reports suggesting he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
A video of the fight circulating on social media shows both boxers fiercely exchanging punches before Olanrewaju suddenly stumbled and collapsed.
