NewStats: 3,262,020 , 8,175,899 topics. Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025 at 03:09 PM 2u5p2i

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has disclosed that late boxer Segun "Success" Olanrewaju did not receive approval for the fight that led to his death in Accra, Ghana, News360 Nigeria reports.

Olanrewaju, 40, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, lost consciousness during his bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday.

Reports indicate that Olanrewaju was initially scheduled to fight on Friday but was disqualified after being found overweight.

However, he later agreed to a Saturday fight, allegedly without the necessary approval from the NBBofC.

Eyewitnesses at the arena said Olanrewaju was leading on points when he collapsed unexpectedly.

After exchanging weak punches with Mbanugu, who is known as "Jon Power" and holds a record of 12 wins, one loss, and one draw, Olanrewaju was hit with a right-hand punch.

Moments later, he staggered backward, fell against the ropes, and slumped.

As the referee began the mandatory count, the Nigerian fighter turned face down with his throat resting on the ropes.

His team rushed into the ring, attempting to resuscitate him before he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Speaking to Newsmen, NBBofC Secretary-General Remi Aboderin clarified that Olanrewaju had been cleared to fight on Friday, but after his disqualification, he sought another opportunity to fight the next day to earn money.

"Segun got our approval for a fight on Friday, but during the weigh-in on Thursday, he was found overweight.

His opponent was not in his weight class, so the fight was canceled.

They offered to increase his purse by $500, but he declined the offer, and no agreement was reached," Aboderin explained.

He further revealed that Olanrewaju initially left Accra for Lagos on Saturday morning but changed his mind at the Aflao border.

"He told his coach, Diran Alamu, that returning home without money would be difficult".

He had debts to pay, so he called the Ghanaians to ask if another fight was available".

"They informed him that a match was possible on Saturday night, but we did not give him approval for it. This is where the Ghana Boxing Association made an error," Aboderin stated.

Olanrewaju’s trainer, Babatunde Ojo, expressed regret over the tragic incident, saying he had advised the late boxer against taking the fight on such short notice.

"He told me about the fight last week, and I warned him that it was too soon. He wasn’t training properly, and I told him to wait for a better offer," Ojo said.

"He initially mentioned the fight would be on April 1, but later said it was moved to March 29. I told him it was too soon and suggested we travel together if they booked our flights. But they offered to arrange a car for him instead, which I refused. He knew I didn’t want him to go," Ojo added.

Ojo revealed that Olanrewaju later told him he had obtained a release letter for the fight but did not inform him about his final decision to travel.

"He knew I wouldn’t allow him to go, so he left without telling me. Now, we are dealing with this painful loss. This is why I always warn my boxers against taking fights on short notice. You need at least one month to prepare. May his soul rest in peace," Ojo concluded.

https://news360ng.com/nigerian-boxer-segun-olanrewaju-accepted-ghana-fight-to-earn-money-nbbofc/

We have Lal refused to notice where that Ghanian punched him ta the back of head

Since Segun Olanrewaju is no longer here to share his side, we may never know the full truth behind what really happened 🤷‍♂️

The headline is as good as telling us Debt killed the boxer. Media sha.

Brother, may your soul find rest in the blossom of your creator

Hmm, may his Soul rest. One of the many battles men fight. To be a man no be small thing.

He die bcus of money he wanna use feed his family! Men?? No kill urself bcus of Kidz or one yeye wife, she go married anoda man now, dose kids will move on with they re life! Do Ur best and leave the rest for God!

This is so sad, RIP

He said, she said. The man is dead and gone. Leave stories for the living.

When last did he go for medical checkup? African athletes should learn to go for checkups before going for any competition

Lord

He further revealed that Olanrewaju initially left Accra for Lagos on Saturday morning but changed his mind at the Aflao border.

May we never ever make decisions that would cost us our lives in Jesus Precious Name Amen

InfoGuru118:



Olanrewaju, 40, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, lost consciousness during his bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday.


Eyewitnesses at the arena said Olanrewaju was leading on points when he collapsed unexpectedly.

Wow the guy was a former champ and was even leading on points before his demise... So sad!

Please if you intend to participate in any high performance or sport, kindly ensure to go for regular medical check-up.

RIP to him! 🥊

may his soul rest in peace

muyico:
He die bcus of money he wanna use feed his family! Men?? No kill urself bcus of Kidz or one yeye wife, she go married anoda man now, dose kids will move on with they re life! Do Ur best and leave the rest for God!

Hmmm

500 dollars? See how cheap life has become.

May His soul find rest and may God grant his family the strength to bear the loss

This unnecessary, he's gone already.

may his soul rest in peace

How quick a life can be taken unaware. The clip was that of a man who never knew he was having his last stage on the ring. So sad!

What a loss!May his soul rest in peace,you will be greatly missed!

i respect the hustle of boxers- but i dont understand how out of everything in this world, na to dey punch person face and u receiving punches back be d job wey dey sweet u for belle- may his soul rip

muyico:
He die bcus of money he wanna use feed his family! Men?? No kill urself bcus of Kidz or one yeye wife, she go married anoda man now, dose kids will move on with they re life! Do Ur best and leave the rest for God!

True that

tunapawizzy:
i respect the hustle of boxers- but i dont understand how out of everything in this world, na to dey punch person face and u receiving punches back be d job wey dey sweet u for belle- may his soul rip

Prolly, that's what's they're destined to do 😒

Well, now, he doesn't have any bills to pay again

fkelly:
Ghana 1-0 naija

This is not part of the fight that we count results for. This is entertainment gone wrong and I think it is only South Africans that can rejoice over this kind of evil occurrence if it was fought against one of them. Ghanaians are not that bad.

Beremx:
When last did he go for medical checkup? African athletes should learn to go for checkups before going for any competition

Anything can happen in boxing one wrong Punch especially to the back of the head can cause internal bleeding which can lead to death or permanent disability

Hmmm.
I almost died from indebtedness too, I was about to go commit suicide, but God came through for me. Omo, I'm so scared of borrowing money or taking loans now. It kills