- 🥊 Tragedy in the Ring: How Segun Olanrewaju’s Fight for Survival Turned Fatal
- 💰 Desperation and Danger: The Risky Decision That Cost a Nigerian Boxer His Life
- ⚠️ Boxing Safety Under Scrutiny: Lessons from Segun Olanrewaju’s Untimely Death
The boxing world is mourning the loss of Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, who collapsed in the ring and died during a fight in Accra, Ghana.
Olanrewaju was supposed to fight on Friday, but the match was canceled because he was overweight ⚖️.
With no money to return home and debts to pay 💰, he accepted another fight on Saturday—but this time, without approval from the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC).
Sadly, that decision cost him his life. 💔
🥊 How the Fight Turned Deadly
Olanrewaju’s fight took place at Bukom Boxing Arena during Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
He fought Jon Mbanugu, also called “Jon Power”, who had 12 wins, one loss, and one draw.
Even though he wasn’t prepared, Olanrewaju was leading on points before things took a tragic turn.
⚡ The Moment Everything Changed
In the eighth round, Olanrewaju threw two weak punches before Mbanugu hit him with a strong right hand 💥.
He staggered back, leaned on the ropes, and then collapsed 😨.
The referee started counting, but he didn’t get up.
His team rushed in, removed his gum shield, and tried to help him 🆘.
Doctors quickly took him to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, but he was pronounced dead 🏥💔.
💰 Why He Took the Fight
- ❌ His First Fight Was Canceled
According to Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the NBBofC:
> “Segun was given approval to fight on Friday, but when they checked his weight, he was overweight, so the fight was canceled. The next day, he took another fight without our permission. That was a mistake by the Ghana Boxing Association.”
- 💸 He Needed Money to Survive
On Saturday morning, Olanrewaju and his team were already on their way back to Lagos when he changed his mind.
He told his coach he had no money to go back home 🚗💨.
He also mentioned that he owed people in Nigeria and needed to pay them 🤕.
The match organizers had offered him $500, and now he was ready to accept it 💵.
So, he turned back to Ghana—and stepped into the ring for the last time.
Also Read: Nigerian Boxer Success Olanrewaju’s Collapse: What Went Wrong
⚠️ He Was Warned, But He Didn’t Listen
Olanrewaju’s coach, Babatunde Ojo, had warned him not to take the fight:
> “I told him, ‘You are not ready. Don’t fight. Wait for a better opportunity.’ But he refused to listen.”
Olanrewaju knew his coach wouldn’t allow it, so he didn’t tell him until it was too late.
🚨 A Tragedy That Could Have Been Prevented
Olanrewaju’s death has raised serious questions about safety in boxing.
Some major issues include:
✔ Boxers taking fights at the last minute because of money problems 💵.
✔ Lack of strict approval for fights 📝.
✔ Poor medical support at boxing events 🚑.
📢 Lessons from His Death
His story is a warning to other boxers and sports officials. If proper rules and financial support were in place, maybe he would still be alive today.
🤔 Final Thoughts
Segun Olanrewaju’s death shows the hardships that many boxers face.
His story teaches us the importance of:
Strict rules to stop unsafe fights 🚦.
Better financial help for struggling fighters 💰.
Stronger medical support at boxing matches 🏥.
The boxing world must do better—because no fighter should have to risk their life just to make a living. 💔
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