The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has revealed that financial struggles pushed Nigerian boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju into accepting a fatal fight in Accra, Ghana, which ultimately led to his tragic death.
The former National and West African light-heavyweight champion collapsed during a bout against Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday.
Olanrewaju was initially scheduled to fight on Friday, but the match was canceled after he was deemed overweight.
According to the NBBofC Secretary-General, Remi Aboderin, the Nigerian boxer was supposed to return home but instead sought out another fight the following day due to his financial difficulties.
“Segun got our approval to fight in Ghana on Friday. Unfortunately, during the weigh-in on Thursday, he was found to be overweight, and his fight was canceled.
“He was then offered an extra $500 to compensate for the weight difference, but he declined, and no agreement was reached,” Aboderin told The PUNCH
The NBBofC official further disclosed that Olanrewaju and his team had already left Accra for Lagos when he decided to return and accept another fight in desperation.
“They were at the Aflao border when he told his coach, Diran Alamu, that he couldn’t return to Nigeria empty-handed because he owed a lot of money. He called the matchmaker and agreed to fight on Saturday for the extra $500. We did not approve this fight, and this is where the Ghana Boxing Association (GBA) erred.”
During the fatal bout, Olanrewaju was leading on points before he suddenly collapsed after receiving a right-hand punch from Mbanugu.
He staggered backward, fell against the ropes, and slumped to the canvas. Medical personnel on-site rushed him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His coach, Babatunde Ojo, revealed that he had warned Olanrewaju against taking fights on short notice.
“He initially told me the fight was set for April 1, but later said it had been moved to March 29. I told him that was too soon and that he needed more time to train. I also refused to let him travel by road to Ghana, but he went against my advice.”
Ojo expressed deep sorrow over his loss, stressing the dangers of last-minute fights.
“Now, we have this tragedy. I always advise my boxers not to accept fights on short notice because preparation is key. I am deeply saddened. May his soul rest in peace.”
Olanrewaju’s death has sparked concerns over boxer welfare and regulations, especially regarding financial desperation forcing fighters into dangerous bouts. The NBBofC has called for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
