Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death for Nigerian Boxer

Nigerian Boxer’s Death: Autopsy Results from Ghana Fight

​An autopsy has revealed that Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju died from sudden cardiac arrest during his bout in Ghana. Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and President of the West African Boxing Union, stated that while the preliminary post-mortem results indicate sudden cardiac arrest, further investigations into Olanrewaju’s heart condition are ongoing. Consequently, his body will not be released to Nigeria for burial until approximately two weeks after the autopsy to allow for a comprehensive medical review.

Olanrewaju, aged 40, collapsed during the third round of his light-heavyweight fight against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on March 29, 2025, at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. Despite immediate medical attention and being transported to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Prior to the fight, he had been declared medically fit by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control.

The boxing community has expressed deep sorrow over his passing. The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control has pledged to support Olanrewaju’s family during this difficult time.

Olanrewaju began his professional boxing career in 2019, achieving notable success, including winning the Nigerian light heavyweight title and the West African Boxing Union light heavyweight title. His professional record comprised 13 wins (12 by knockout), nine losses, and two draws.