The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has declared that the Bel 7-Star Energy Drink Professional Boxing League will proceed as planned, undeterred by the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during a bout in Accra and was later pronounced dead at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Mohammed Amin Lamptey, the GBA’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized that while the loss is deeply felt, it will not derail the momentum of the professional league.
🇳🇬Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju ‘Success’ Segun, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, tragically collapsed & passed away during a match against 🇬🇭Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena on the night of March 29, 2025.
😰🥹🥹😰#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/8U8iAIKoyj
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) March 30, 2025
Olanrewaju, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, was facing Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu in an eight-round light-heavyweight bout during Week 15 of the Bel 7-Star Energy Drink Professional Boxing League, an event promoted by Imax Boxing Promotions at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The fight, held on March 29, 2025, began with Olanrewaju showcasing his signature strength, dominating the early rounds.
However, in a shocking turn of events, he collapsed at the 2:46 mark of Round 3—without taking a punch—leaving the crowd and officials in stunned silence.
Referee Richard Amevi immediately halted the contest, signaling for medical intervention.
Ringside medics and paramedics sprang into action, providing emergency care before rushing Olanrewaju to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead 30 minutes after arrival, a devastating outcome that has shaken the boxing community.
The cause of his collapse remains under investigation, with preliminary speculation pointing to a possible medical emergency rather than fight-related trauma.
The GBA swiftly issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy at the Bukom Boxing Arena, a venue synonymous with Ghana’s boxing heritage.
Meanwhile, the Trust Sports Emporium, which manages the arena, announced the suspension of the Ghana Amateur Boxing League to address safety concerns and review protocols.
However, the GBA’s stance on the professional league starkly contrasts with this decision.
In an interview with Citi Sports’ Bennard Abeiku Okyere on Sunday, March 30, Mohammed Amin Lamptey addressed the incident with resolve.
Fatalities are always there for painful reminders, not only in Boxing, football, basketball, hockey, horse racing and so on.
What happened yesterday, i believe that is just an eye-opener to all members of the Boxing fratenity in Ghana and beyond.
When you go to the record, there are countless of Boxers who have died in the ring, most of them, they died because of brain bleeding, most of them, normally fall into comma and some have had problems with head trauma and so on, they are notable injuries in boxing.
I don’t think what happened will take the steam out of the boxing league that we are running, it is normal. This is not the first time it has happened.
If my memory serves me right, i don’t remember in Ghana , that a boxer died in the process.
