Nigeria boxer who died during Boxing League at the Bukom Boxing Arena Ghana.
The boxing community is mourning the tragic loss of Segun 'Success' Olanrewaju, a former Nigerian national and West African light-heavyweight champion, who collapsed and died during a bout in Ghana on March 29, 2025. Olanrewaju was competing against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at the Bukom Boxing Arena when he suddenly lost consciousness. Reports indicate that he was leading on points before the incident occurred.
A video capturing the moment Olanrewaju collapsed has been widely circulated on social media, eliciting shock and sorrow from fans and fellow athletes. His untimely death has sparked discussions about the safety protocols in boxing and the need for stringent medical checks before and during fights.
Olanrewaju's passing is a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with boxing. Over the years, several Nigerian boxers have met similar fates, highlighting the dangers that pugilists face in the ring.
Akeem Anifowoshe (1968–1994):
Known as "Kid Akeem," Anifowoshe was a promising super flyweight boxer. In 1991, he faced Robert Quiroga in a grueling match that was later named Ring Magazine's Fight of the Year. Despite losing by unanimous decision, Anifowoshe's resilience was evident. Tragically, he collapsed shortly after the fight due to a brain injury and underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot. Although he survived the operation, he was unable to continue his boxing career in the United States. Reports suggest that he returned to Nigeria, where he attempted a comeback but ultimately died after collapsing following a training session or a match.
Chukwuemeka Igboanugo (Died 2022):
During the 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State, Igboanugo represented Imo State in the 86kg boxing category. He faced Prince Gaby Amagor from Anambra State and, after receiving multiple punches to the chin, collapsed in the ring. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to the hospital, Igboanugo was pronounced dead. The incident raised concerns about the adequacy of medical preparedness at sporting events. citeturn0search3
Sherif Lawal (1995–2024):
At 29, Lawal was making his professional boxing debut at the Harrow Leisure Centre in London. The bout against Malam Varela was evenly matched until the fourth round when Lawal sustained a blow to the temple. He collapsed and, despite immediate medical intervention, was pronounced dead at Northwick Park Hospital. His death underscored the critical importance of comprehensive medical screenings and emergency protocols in boxing.
Jeremiah 'Jerry' Okorodudu (1959–2023):
A celebrated Nigerian boxer, Okorodudu represented the country at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games in the middleweight category and clinched a gold medal at the 1979 National Sports Festival in Ibadan. His post-retirement years were marred by health challenges, including a foot ulcer and a stroke. In 2023, he passed away in a private hospital in Lagos. Tragically, the hospital withheld his body due to unpaid medical bills amounting to N600,000, highlighting the financial hardships faced by some retired athletes.
Felix Bwalya (1968–1997):
Although Zambian, Bwalya's story resonates within the African boxing community. Known as "The Hammer," he won the African Boxing Union super featherweight title in 1995. In December 1997, after a victorious bout against Ghanaian boxer Patrick Allotey, Bwalya fell into a coma and died days later. His death was attributed to severe head injuries sustained during the fight.
These incidents underscore the perilous nature of boxing and the critical need for enhanced safety measures. Comprehensive medical screenings, immediate access to emergency care, and stringent adherence to safety protocols are essential to safeguard athletes' health. Furthermore, the financial struggles faced by retired boxers like Okorodudu call for the establishment of support systems to assist athletes during and after their careers.
The boxing community must honor the legacies of these fighters by advocating for reforms that prioritize athlete welfare, ensuring that the sport not only entertains but also protects its participants.
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