The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has revealed that late Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju did not receive approval for the fight that led to his death in Accra, Ghana.
Olanrewaju, 40, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, collapsed during his bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday.
Reports indicate that Olanrewaju was originally scheduled to fight on Friday but was disqualified for being overweight. Despite this, he later agreed to fight on Saturday without approval from the NBBofC.
Eyewitnesses said the Nigerian boxer was ahead on points when he suddenly collapsed after exchanging weak punches with Mbanugu, also known as “Jon Power”, who has a record of 12 wins, one loss, and one draw.
Olanrewaju staggered backward, fell against the ropes, and slumped. As the referee began the mandatory count, he turned face down, his throat resting on the ropes. His team rushed into the ring to resuscitate him before he was taken to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Speaking to newsmen, NBBofC Secretary-General Remi Aboderin clarified that Olanrewaju had only been cleared for the Friday fight, which was later canceled after he failed the weigh-in on Thursday.
“Segun got our approval for a fight on Friday, but he was found overweight. His opponent was in a different weight class, so the fight was canceled. He was offered an additional $500, but no agreement was reached,” Aboderin explained.
He revealed that Olanrewaju initially left Accra for Lagos on Saturday morning but later changed his mind at the Aflao border, citing financial difficulties.
“He told his coach that returning home without money would be difficult. He had debts to pay, so he called the Ghanaians to ask if another fight was available. They informed him that a match was possible on Saturday night, but we did not give him approval for it. This is where the Ghana Boxing Association made an error,” Aboderin stated.
Olanrewaju’s trainer, Babatunde Ojo, expressed regret over the tragic incident, saying he had warned the late boxer against taking the fight on such short notice.
“He told me about the fight last week, and I warned him it was too soon. He wasn’t training properly, and I told him to wait for a better offer,” Ojo said.
“He initially mentioned the fight was on April 1 but later said it had been moved to March 29. I told him it was too soon and suggested we travel together if they booked our flights. But they only offered to arrange a car for him, which I refused. He knew I didn’t want him to go,” Ojo added.
Ojo revealed that Olanrewaju never informed him of his final decision to fight, knowing he would disapprove.
“He knew I wouldn’t allow him to go, so he left without telling me. Now, we are dealing with this painful loss. This is why I always warn my boxers against taking fights on short notice. You need at least one month to prepare. May his soul rest in peace,” Ojo concluded.
The tragic death of Olanrewaju has sparked conversations about fighter safety, regulation compliance, and the risks of last-minute fights in professional boxing.
