By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has expressed regret at the sudden death in the ring of Nigerian boxer, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, describing it as unfortunate and a big loss to the boxing community.
The body is also awaiting,from Ghanaian authorities, the autopsy report on the death of the 40-year-old boxer.
The former National and West African light-heavyweight champion died at the weekend in Ghana after collapsing while fighting against Accra-born John Mbanugu, aka ‘Power,’ in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the board paid a condolence visit to his family on Monday, March 31, Secretary General of NBBofC, Remi Aboderin, said the sad incident, which occurred at the famous Bukom Boxing Arena, came to him and the board as a rude shock.
He, however, disclosed that the board had made contact with the Ghanaian authorities with regards to Olanrewaju’s autopsy report which the NBBofC was expecting “as soon as possible.”
”Olanrewaju’s death was unfortunate and a huge shock to us. Nigeria and the world have lost such a great boxer. We have made contact with the authorities in Ghana concerning the autopsy report which they have promised to make available,” said Aboderin, who doubles as the President of West African Boxing Union.
Recall that Olanrewaju suddenly staggered backwards and fell on the ropes mid-way in the fight, after taking a huge right to the jaw, prompting the referee to immediately start the knockout count, but on closer look, and discovering that it could be an emergency, quickly called for medical assistance.
Medics rushed to the scene, but in spite of the attempts to revive him, the boxer was pronounced dead, with reports suggesting he might have suffered cardiac arrest.
A video of the fight shared on social media showed both boxers fiercely trading punches before Olanrewaju stumbled and collapsed.
This development occurred with only 15 seconds left in the third round of their scheduled eight-round bout.
Olanrewaju was a respected figure in Nigerian boxing.
According to BoxRec, Olanrewaju, born in Lagos, had an extensive boxing career, competing in 23 professional fights, securing 13 wins, with 12 coming by knockouts.
He suffered eight defeats and recorded two draws in his career.
