ACCRA, Ghana — Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, a celebrated Nigerian boxer and former holder of the National and West African light-heavyweight titles, died on Saturday, 29 March, after collapsing in the ring during a professional bout in Accra.
Olanrewaju, 29, was competing against Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15, part of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
According to eyewitnesses and officials, the Nigerian boxer was ahead on points when he suddenly lost consciousness during the match.
Medical personnel at the venue responded swiftly, administering emergency treatment in the ring before transferring him to a local hospital. Despite their efforts, Olanrewaju was later pronounced dead.
His unexpected passing has shocked the boxing community across West Africa, where he was widely admired for his tenacity, sportsmanship, and leadership in the sport.
Olanrewaju had been a formidable presence in the ring, holding both national and regional titles in the light-heavyweight division.
His career saw him rise from the grassroots of Nigerian boxing to become one of its most recognisable faces.
Tributes have poured in from across the region. Fellow boxers, fans, and sports administrators described him as a disciplined athlete and a source of inspiration to young fighters.
“He was not only a champion in the ring, but a mentor and motivator to many upcoming boxers,” said one Lagos-based coach who had trained with him.
“His death is a huge loss to the sport.”
There has been no official confirmation yet of the medical cause of death.
Authorities in Ghana and Nigeria have called for a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the incident, as well as the safety protocols observed during the match.
The Ghana Boxing Authority expressed condolences to Olanrewaju’s family and the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control.
In a brief statement, they noted that a full investigation is underway and that medical personnel were “on-site and responsive at all stages of the emergency.”
Born and raised in Nigeria, Olanrewaju’s boxing career began in his teenage years and was marked by a relentless work ethic and a reputation for clean fighting.
He captured the Nigerian national title in 2021 and followed it with the West African belt in 2022, becoming one of the region’s top contenders.
His last fight before the tragic incident had been a unanimous decision win in Lagos in December 2024.
Saturday’s bout in Accra was part of a scheduled comeback campaign aimed at reclaiming international ranking.
The Nigerian sports ministry and boxing federation are reportedly planning a posthumous honour in his memory.
Olanrewaju is survived by his parents and two siblings. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
The boxing fraternity continues to mourn the loss of one of its most dedicated athletes — a fighter who lived up to his ring name, “Success”, until his final round.
