The boxing world is reeling from a heartbreaking loss as Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju ‘Success’ Segun, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, tragically collapsed and passed away during a match against Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena on the night of March 29, 2025.
Segun, a 40-year-old veteran of the sport, was competing in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League’s Fight Night 15 when the unthinkable occurred.
🇳🇬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
Known for his powerful punches and resilient spirit, Segun had reportedly been leading on points in a competitive yet friendly exchange with Mbanugu, nicknamed “Power,” an Accra-born rising star in the Ghanaian boxing scene.
Video footage circulating online captures the chilling moment: after a flurry of punches, Segun staggered, then suddenly fell to the canvas mid-fight, his body limp as he hit the ground.
The referee immediately halted the bout, signaling for medical assistance as the bellman and timekeeper initially mistook the collapse for a knockdown.
However, it quickly became apparent that this was no ordinary fall.
Medical personnel rushed into the ring, performing emergency procedures in a desperate bid to revive the fallen fighter.
Segun was stretchered out of the arena and transported to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Preliminary reports suggest he may have suffered a cardiac arrest, though an official cause of death is pending confirmation from the Ghana Boxing Authority.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Segun carved out an impressive career in the ring, amassing a record of 13 wins—12 by knockout—out of 23 professional fights, according to BoxRec.
His journey in boxing was marked by triumphs, including capturing the National and West African light-heavyweight titles, which cemented his status as a respected figure in Nigerian and regional boxing circles. However, recent years had been challenging for the fighter, with four consecutive losses leading up to this fateful match.
Despite the setbacks, Segun remained a beloved figure, admired for his tenacity and knockout power that had once made him a formidable force.
The Bukom Boxing Arena, a storied venue in Accra’s Jamestown district known for producing world-class talent, became the site of an unexpected tragedy that night.
The arena, which opened in 2016 as Ghana’s first purpose-built boxing facility, has long been a hub for the nation’s pugilistic pride, hosting events that draw passionate crowds.
On this occasion, the atmosphere shifted from excitement to disbelief as spectators watched the events unfold, many taking to social media to express their shock and grief.
Posts on X captured the immediate aftermath, with users sharing clips of Segun’s collapse and offering tributes to the fallen champ.
“RIP Success – a true warrior gone too soon,” one user wrote, while another lamented, “This is why we need better safety in boxing. Heartbreaking.”
RIP 🕊🕯💔🙏
Watch the shocking moment Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju Segun ‘Success’ collapsed and tragically died during a bout Lastnight, in ghana against Jon Mbanugu in Ghana. 🇬🇭
.#fightgistmedia #ripsuccess #Ripolanrewajusegun pic.twitter.com/SCYqnQNeHl
— Fight Gist media (@Fightgistmedia) March 30, 2025
The video, credited to Fight Gist Media, shows the exchange of blows before Segun’s sudden stagger and fall, a haunting image now etched into the collective memory of boxing fans.
