Nigerian boxer Gabriel Aluwasegun Olanrewagu collapsed in the ring during a professional bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday night and later died at a hospital, officials confirmed.
Olanrewagu, 40, was competing against Ghanaian fighter Jonathan Mbanugu in an international light heavyweight contest when he suddenly lost his footing and fell to the canvas in the third round. Referee Richard Amevi halted the fight and immediately called for medical assistance.
Despite being rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Olanrewagu was pronounced dead in the early hours of Sunday.
The bout was part of the Bel 7Star Ghana Professional Boxing League, organized by Osibor Boxing Promotions. Olanrewagu, known as “Success,” had a professional record of 13 wins, eight losses, and two draws since debuting in 2019.
His opponent, 22-year-old Mbanugu, held a record of 12 wins, one loss, and one draw.
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and Osibor Boxing Promotions reported the incident to the Ghana Police Service and notified the Nigeria Boxing Authority. An autopsy will be conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.