Boxing World Mourns as Nigerian Fighter Gabriel Olanrewaju Passes Away Mid-Match
The combat sports community is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who tragically collapsed and died during a fight at Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana. The 40-year-old fighter was competing in an undercard bout against Ghana’s John "Power" Mbanugu when the unthinkable happened.
How Did Gabriel Olanrewaju Die? Shocking Details Emerge
Eyewitnesses and a viral video of the match reveal that Olanrewaju was engaged in an intense exchange of punches when he suddenly staggered and collapsed, hitting his head on the canvas. Initially, officials thought it was a standard knockdown, but they soon realized the severity of the situation.
Medical personnel rushed into the ring, performing emergency CPR, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Preliminary reports suggest the cause of death was a sudden cardiac arrest, though an official statement from the Ghana Boxing Authority is still pending.
A Look Back at Olanrewaju’s Boxing Career
Gabriel Olanrewaju had a 23-fight professional career, with a record of:
✅ 13 Wins (12 by knockout)
❌ 8 Losses
🤝 2 Draws
Unfortunately, he had been on a four-fight losing streak leading up to this fateful match. His last fight was on December 24, 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Second Nigerian Boxer to Die in Ghana in a Year – Is Boxing Safety Failing?
This tragedy brings back painful memories of Sherif Lawal, another Nigerian boxer who died in the ring during a fight in Ghana in May 2023. These back-to-back incidents raise serious concerns about:
🔹 Pre-fight medical screenings
🔹 Emergency response protocols
🔹 Referee and medical team preparedness*
Tributes Pour In – Calls for Change Grow Louder
As the boxing world mourns, fans and fighters alike are demanding stricter safety measuresto prevent future tragedies. Should boxing organizations enforce:
✔ More rigorous heart and brain exams before fights?
✔ Faster in-ring emergency responses?
✔ Better post-fight medical supervision?
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Combat Sports
Gabriel Olanrewaju’s death is a devastating reminder of the risks fighters take every time they step into the ring. While boxing will always be a dangerous sport, can more be done to protect athletes?
What do YOU think?
💬 Should boxing commissions enforce stricter medical checks?
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