The African boxing community has been rocked by the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, who collapsed in the ring during a fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The incident has sparked outrage, with Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC), questioning why the bout took place when Olanrewaju was only sanctioned to fight on Friday, March 28.

Shocking Collapse in the Ring

Olanrewaju was facing Accra-born John Mbanugu, also known as "Power", in a highly anticipated match when disaster struck. The 40-year-old Nigerian fighter suddenly collapsed, and despite desperate efforts to revive him, he was later pronounced dead.

This devastating event has raised serious concerns about safety regulations, medical checks, and oversight within Ghanaian boxing. The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), which confirmed the boxer’s death on Sunday, is now under intense scrutiny.

Why Did the Fight Happen on Saturday?

Dr. Rafiu Oladipo has strongly criticized the GBA, alleging that Olanrewaju was only cleared to fight on Friday, not Saturday. Speaking to Sporty FM in Accra, he expressed his shock and frustration over the apparent disregard for proper procedures.

"Segun Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing in the ring, was not sanctioned to fight on Saturday. He was to fight on Friday, March 28, 2025. So why did the GBA allow the match to happen on Saturday? The permission letter we gave him was for Friday. He was an active boxer, last fought in December 2024, and was in good health."

His comments have fueled calls for accountability and improved safety measures, as critics argue that Olanrewaju’s death may have been preventable if proper protocols were followed.

Boxing Safety Under Scrutiny

This tragedy has revived discussions about fighter safety in African boxing, particularly concerning:

Medical examinations before fights

Sanctioning and oversight procedures

Emergency response protocols

With Ghana being a powerhouse in African boxing, the incident threatens to damage the country’s reputation if authorities fail to address these pressing concerns.

As investigations unfold, many in the boxing world are demanding justice for Olanrewaju and immediate reforms to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.