By Francis Ajuonuma
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has described the sudden demise of Nigerian Boxer Segun ”Success” Olanrewaju as unfortunate and a huge lost to the boxing community.
The former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, aged 40, died at the weekend in Ghana after collapsing while fighting against Accra-born John Mbanugu, nicknamed “Power” in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League.
Reacting to the sad incident which occurred at the famous Bukom Boxing Arena, NBB of C Secretary General, Remi Aboderin, said that the news of Olanrewaju’s death came to him and the board as a rude shock.
He however, disclosed that the board has made contact with the Ghanaian authorities in regards to Olanrewaju autopsy report which the NBB of C is expecting as soon as possible
Aboderin also said the board members of the NBB of C will today pay a condole visit to family of the Late Olanrewaju.
”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,” he said.
”It’s sad we have lost Olanrewaju this way. However, we hope to visit the familty on Monday to console with them,” he added.
Recalled that Olanrewaju suddenly fell to the canvas mid-way in the fight, prompting the referee to immediately call for medical assistance.
Medics rushed to the scene but in spite the attempts to revive him, the boxer was pronounced dead, with reports suggesting he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
A video of the fight shared on social media showed both boxers fiercely trading punches before Olanrewaju stumbled and collapsed.
However, this occurred with only 15 seconds left in the third round of their scheduled eight-round bout.
Olanrewaju, a respected figure in Nigerian boxing, previously held both National and West African light-heavyweight titles.
According to BoxRec Olanrewaju, born in Lagos, had an extensive boxing career, competing in 23 professional fights, securing 13 wins, with 12 coming by knockout.
He suffered eight defeats and recorded two draws in his career.
