Autopsy Reveals Cause of Death for Nigerian Boxer Who Collapsed in Ghana
An autopsy has confirmed that 40-year-old Nigerian boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju died from sudden cardiac arrest after collapsing during a boxing match in Ghana.
Olanrewaju, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, was fighting Ghanaian boxer John “Power” Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Saturday, March 29, 2025, when he suddenly collapsed mid-bout.
The referee immediately halted the fight and called for medical help. Despite swift intervention by ringside medics, Olanrewaju was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Speaking to journalists, Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and President of the West African Boxing Union, revealed that the preliminary results of the post-mortem examination indicated that the boxer suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
However, he noted that further medical investigation is underway to understand the underlying heart condition that led to the tragic event.
“The autopsy, conducted on April 2 following a court order, confirmed cardiac arrest as the preliminary cause of death,” Aboderin stated.
“However, additional tests are required, and as such, the body will not be released to Nigeria for burial for at least another two weeks.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the boxing community across West Africa, prompting calls for stricter pre-fight medical screenings and enhanced safety protocols for athletes.
Autopsy Reveals Cause of Death for Nigerian Boxer Who Collapsed in Ghana
