During a fight in Ghana, Nigerian boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju collapsed and died, striking tragedy upon the boxing world. At the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra during Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, the event took place on March 29, 2025. When he passed out in the third round, Olanrewaju was fighting Ghana boxer John Mbanugu. He was reportedly ahead on points before the fall.
Olanrewaju was moved to KorleBu Teaching Hospital and declared dead after receiving immediate medical care. There is no official cause of death proven yet, but early conjecture points to cardiac arrest.
At 40 years old, Olanrewaju had a professional boxing career with 24 bouts, including 13 victories, 8 defeats, and 3 ties. Earning recognition in the boxing world, he won both the West African and National lightweight titles.
Especially in view of earlier Nigerian boxer tragedies, this event has renewed talks on safety standards in boxing. Chukwuemeka Igboanugo fell over and died from a punch in Delta State’s Asaba National Sports Festival in December 2022.
Born of mourning for Segun Olanrewaju are his inspiration and boxing community contributions. His early death emphasizes the inherent dangers of boxing and stresses the need for ongoing review of safety protocols to keep athletes safe.
Watch the video below:
