Tragedy struck at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana, on Saturday, as Nigerian boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju collapsed in the ring and was later pronounced dead.
The 40-year-old former national and West African light-heavyweight champion was competing against Ghanaian boxer John Mbanugu, nicknamed “Power,” in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League.
Olanrewaju suddenly fell to the canvas mid-fight, prompting the referee to call for immediate medical assistance. Despite efforts by medical professionals to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Reports suggest he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
A video of the fight circulating on social media shows the two fighters engaged in an intense exchange before Olanrewaju staggered and collapsed. The incident occurred with only 15 seconds left in the third round of the scheduled eight-round bout.
Olanrewaju, a respected figure in Nigerian boxing, had an extensive professional career. According to BoxRec, he fought 23 professional bouts, winning 13—12 by knockout—while suffering eight defeats and recording two draws. However, he had been on a difficult streak in recent years, losing his last four consecutive fights. His most recent match was on December 24, 2024, when he lost to Idowu Rasheed at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos.
