Nigerian light-heavyweight boxer Gabriel Oluwaseun Olanrewaju, also known as "Success," tragically passed away after his fight against Ghana’s Jonathan Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena was abruptly halted.
Coincidentally, Mbanugu has both Ghanaian and Nigerian heritage.
The Incident:
The fight, held on Saturday, March 29, was a special attraction during the Bel 7 Star Professional Boxing League event.
Spectators and officials at the Bukom Boxing Arena quickly realized something was wrong just moments into the bout.
The scheduled eight-round contest against Jonathan Mbanugu, also known as "Jon Power"—who had a record of 12 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with all 12 victories coming by knockout—took a shocking turn.
Olanrewaju threw two light punches before Mbanugu countered with a right hand to his face. Almost instantly, Olanrewaju staggered backward, hit the ropes, and collapsed, causing a wave of concern among the audience.
As the referee started the mandatory count, Olanrewaju slumped onto his side before turning face down, his throat resting on the ropes.
His corner team rushed in, placing him on the canvas, removing his mouthguard, and attempting to revive him as he struggled to breathe.
Medical personnel at the venue swiftly transported him to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The boxing community has been deeply shaken by his passing.
Olanrewaju’s Career:
The 40-year-old Lagos-based boxer began his professional career in 2019. At the time of his final fight, he was on a four-fight losing streak, with defeats against Russia’s Savely Sadoma, Ibragim Estemirov, Muibi Lekan, and Rashid Idowu.
He won his debut match against Jimoh Najeem on July 30, 2019, followed by two more victories before suffering his first career loss to Durodola Olanrewaju via a fourth-round technical knockout.
Before his last fight, Olanrewaju had lost all his bouts outside Nigeria—six in Russia and two in his home country. His professional record stood at 13 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws, with 12 of his victories secured by knockout.
The Ghana Boxing Authority, which sanctioned the match, has yet to release an official statement on the incident.
