Nigerian boxing champion tragically dies after collapsing mid-fight
Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju has tragically passed away after collapsing mid-way through a fight in Ghana.
Olanrewaju (13-8-1) met Jon Mbanugu (12-1-1) in an eight-round light heavyweight bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in the country's capital of Accra, on Friday.
The Nigerian fighter lost consciousness in the third round and received medical attention in the ring before being rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead 30 minutes after arrival.
Local reports claim he was 40 years old.
A statement from the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) read: “Oluwasegun was declared medically fit by the Nigeria Boxing Board Control with his certification as a professional boxer before the GBA sanctioned and approved the international contest.
“Oluwasegun, a few seconds before the end of round three, stepped back during the fight and leaned on the ropes with his back without any punch whatsoever from his opponent.
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"The referee, Richard Amevi, sensing danger, waved his hand for the end of the fight and immediately invited the ringside physician, with the support of paramedics from the national ambulance service, to attend to the boxer to help resuscitate him.
“The GBA President reported the incident to the Korle Bu Police Station.