Nigerian light-heavyweight boxer Gabriel Oluwaseun Olanrewaju, also known as “Success,” tragically passed away following an abrupt stoppage in his bout against Ghana’s Jonathan Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Coincidentally, Mbanugu has both Ghanaian and Nigerian parentage.
The bout, staged on Saturday, March 29, was a special feature on the Ghana Professional Boxing League fight night.
The Incident
It took only a few seconds for fans at the Bukom Boxing Arena and officials to realize that something was seriously wrong.
The scheduled eight-round light-heavyweight contest against Ghana’s Jonathan Mbanugu (also known as “Jon Power”)—who had a record of 12 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 12 knockouts—came to an abrupt end under shocking circumstances.
Olanrewaju had landed two weak punches on his opponent before Mbanugu responded with a right hand to the Nigerian’s face. Almost immediately, Olanrewaju staggered backward, fell against the ropes, and collapsed, drawing gasps of concern from the crowd.
The Nigerian fighter slumped onto his side as the referee began the mandatory count. Moments later, he turned face down, with his throat resting against one of the ropes.
His corner team rushed into the ring, placing him on the canvas, removing his gum shield, and attempting to resuscitate him as he appeared to be struggling to breathe.
The on-site emergency medical team quickly transported him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The boxing fraternity has been deeply affected by his unfortunate passing.
‘Success’ the Boxer
Olanrewaju was a 40-year-old boxer based in Lagos, Nigeria, who made his professional debut in 2019. At the time of his final bout, he was on a four-fight losing streak, with defeats to Russia’s Savely Sadoma, Ibragim Estemirov, Muibi Lekan, and Rashid Idowu.
He won his debut fight against Jimoh Najeem on July 30, 2019, and went on to win two subsequent bouts before suffering his first career loss to Durodola Olanrewaju via a fourth-round technical knockout.
Before his final fight, Olanrewaju had lost all his bouts fought 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 coming by knockout.
The Ghana Boxing Authority, which sanctioned the bout, is yet to comment on the matter.
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