Nigerian Boxing Board accuses Ghanaian federation of negligence following boxer’s death

The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has accused the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) of negligence in the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju during a fight in Ghana.

In a statement to TheCable on Monday, Remi Aboderin, the NBB of C secretary-general, claimed that the GBA failed to follow necessary regulations and procedures before allowing the fight to take place.

Olanrewaju, aged 40, passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a match against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

The Nigerian boxer, nicknamed “Success,” fell to the canvas in the third round of the light-heavyweight contest, even though he was not struck by his opponent at the time.

Olanrewaju was rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital but was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later.

Aboderin stated that the fight took place a day later than the date approved by the NBB of C. Originally scheduled for Thursday, the match was moved to Friday without the board’s approval or any prior communication.

He further emphasized that no medical checkups were conducted, and the mandatory weigh-in ceremony was ignored before the rescheduled fight.

“Segun went to Ghana based on the contract, but the Ghana Boxing Authority failed to conduct the necessary medical examination and ensure he made weight for the fight. The NBB of C had approved the fight for Friday, March 28, but it took place on March 29,” Aboderin said.

“The tragedy occurred because the GBA did not follow the sport’s rules and regulations. The fight approved by the NBB of C was for March 28, not the 29th. There were no medical checks done to assess his health before the fight.”

Aboderin also revealed that Olanrewaju had been about to return to Nigeria after the initial fight was canceled due to an issue with weight.

However, after being contacted, he returned to participate in the rescheduled match, despite the lack of medical checks or a weigh-in.

Olanrewaju, a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion, had a career record of 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws from 24 bouts.