Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who became the West African champion and national champion in his weight class, tragically passed away during a fight in the ring.
On Saturday, he collapsed in the third round of his light heavyweight bout against Ghanaian Jon Mbanugu in Ghana.
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) confirmed the news of his death. According to the statement from the GBA, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju was urgently taken to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead 30 minutes after arrival.
Nigerian Boxing Control Board General Secretary Remi Aboderin described Olanrewaju as a “fearless” fighter, stating that he died as a “warrior” in the ring.
Aboderin shared his thoughts with BBC Africa, saying,
“We are really devastated. This is something we never expected. We will fulfill our responsibility and stand by his family.”
Oluwasegun had an official record of 23 professional bouts, with 13 victories and 8 losses.