KEY POINTS
- Gabriel Olanrewaju collapses after being hit in the opening round.
- The Nigerian boxer died despite efforts by medics to revive him.
- Gabriel Olanrewaju’s tragic death has rocked the African boxing scene.
Gabriel Oluwaseun Olanrewaju, a Nigerian light-heavyweight boxer who went by his ring moniker “Success,” passed away at the Bukom Boxing Arena after collapsing during a fight against Jonathan Mbanugu of Ghana.
Olanrewaju collapses in the ring after early exchange
The bout took place as part of the Bel 7 Star Professional Boxing League fight night on Saturday, March 29. The special attraction match included Mbanugu, who is of Ghanaian and Nigerian descent.
Fans and officials were shocked when the eight-round bout ended abruptly after only a few seconds. Mbanugu, also known as “Jon Power,” responded with a right hand to the face after Olanrewaju delivered two minor blows. When Olanrewaju stumbled backward, collided with the ropes, and passed out, ringside were instantly alarmed.
Gabriel Olanrewaju’s boxing career marked by ups and downs
According to Joy news, Olanrewaju laid on his side and then rolled face down with his throat against the ropes as the referee started the required count. His corner tried to revive him by going into the ring, taking off his mouthguard. He was promptly taken to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital by emergency medical professionals, where he was subsequently declared deceased.
Based in Lagos, Olanrewaju, 40, began playing professionally in 2019. Prior to the battle, he had lost four straight fights to Rashid Idowu, Savely Sadoma, Ibragim Estemirov, and Muibi Lekan. After defeating Jimoh Najeem in his professional debut on July 30, 2019, he went on to win two more fights before losing to Durodola Olanrewaju via technical knockout in the fourth round.
He has lost all of his bouts outside of Nigeria, including two in Ghana and six in Russia. He finished with 13 victories (12 via knockout), 9 defeats, and 2 draws.
A statement from the Ghana Boxing Authority, which approved the bout, has not yet been released.
