Segun was competing at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, held at the famed Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. He was facing off against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu in a scheduled eight-round light-heavyweight match.
Eyewitness accounts and officials report that Segun was leading on points and had been delivering a strong performance throughout the fight. However, tragedy struck in the later rounds when he suddenly collapsed in the ring, reportedly gasping for breath.
Reacting swiftly, the ringside medical team rushed into the ring, removed his gum shield, and attempted resuscitation on the spot. Spectators looked on in shock as emergency procedures were carried out. Despite their efforts, Segun’s condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting an emergency evacuation to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, one of Ghana’s largest and most advanced medical facilities. He was later pronounced dead on arrival.
Autopsy Results Point to Cardiac Arrest
Following his death, a court-ordered autopsy was conducted to ascertain the cause. In a statement made available to the media, Remi Aboderin disclosed that the preliminary post-mortem results confirmed sudden cardiac arrest as the cause of death.
“The preliminary post-mortem results indicate that Segun died from sudden cardiac arrest,” Aboderin stated.
However, he also emphasized that further pathological examinations into the state of Segun’s heart are still required. Due to these ongoing investigations, the Ghanaian authorities have announced that his body will not be released for repatriation to Nigeria for burial until after a waiting period of approximately two weeks.
A Career Marked by Passion and Power
Segun Olanrewaju was more than just a fighter; he was a symbol of resilience and dedication within West African boxing. Making his professional debut in 2019, he carved out a respectable boxing career despite starting late by conventional boxing standards.
His professional record includes:
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24 total fights
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13 victories (with a staggering 12 by knockout)
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9 losses
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2 draws
He was a former Nigerian National Champion and held the West African Boxing Union light-heavyweight title, a belt that earned him recognition across the region. Known for his powerful punching and aggressive in-ring style, Segun developed a reputation for being a crowd favorite—never backing down from a challenge and always delivering entertaining fights.
His nickname, ‘Success’, wasn’t just a brand—it was an embodiment of the journey he took in turning personal hardships into triumphs through sport.
Cardiac Arrest in Sports: A Growing Concern
The news of Segun’s death has reignited discussions around the risks of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes, particularly in combat sports like boxing. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, often due to electrical disturbances or underlying heart conditions that may go undetected.
Although athletes undergo routine physicals before bouts, underlying cardiovascular conditions can sometimes be missed without specialized cardiac testing like electrocardiograms (ECG) or echocardiograms. The tragedy of Olanrewaju’s death brings back painful memories of similar incidents across global sports, where athletes collapse during competition due to hidden heart conditions.
The Fight for Safety: Is Enough Being Done?
In the wake of this incident, experts and fans alike are questioning the sufficiency of pre-fight medical evaluations and the availability of emergency medical services during high-stakes boxing events in Africa.
While Ghana’s Bukom Arena is well-known and equipped for professional boxing, the effectiveness of medical screening standards across West Africa remains under scrutiny. The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, in collaboration with the Ghana Boxing Authority and West African Boxing Union, is expected to review protocols around fighter safety, particularly for older athletes.
At 40 years old, Segun was nearing the twilight of a physically demanding career. Some sports doctors argue that boxers above the age of 35 should be required to undergo more stringent health screenings, especially if they have long fight histories involving repeated physical trauma.
Reactions from the Boxing Community
The loss of Segun Olanrewaju has sent shockwaves through the African boxing fraternity. Tributes have poured in from fellow boxers, coaches, fans, and boxing administrators.
Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu, visibly shaken, shared a heartfelt message after the fight, saying, “This is not what anyone wanted. We entered the ring as warriors, not enemies. My heart breaks for his family and team.”
The NBB of C, through its leadership, has promised to provide support to Segun’s family and is working with Ghanaian authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and safe return of his remains.
What Happens Next?
With the autopsy report confirming cardiac arrest, the focus now shifts to:
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Completing additional cardiac investigations into the exact nature of Segun’s heart condition.
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Collaborating between Nigerian and Ghanaian officials to finalize arrangements for repatriation and burial.
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Launching a formal inquiry into whether the death could have been prevented through better medical checks or faster emergency response.
Additionally, the NBB of C may propose updated medical protocols, including:
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Mandatory cardiac screening for all fighters above 35.
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Annual full medical evaluations for professional boxers.
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Stricter regulations for fighter eligibility at regional tournaments.
Legacy of a Fighter
While Olanrewaju Segun’s untimely death is undeniably tragic, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks fighters take every time they step into the ring. He died doing what he loved, in a sport that defined his life. Known for his relentless spirit, humility, and commitment to his craft, Segun’s story will endure as both a source of inspiration and a cautionary tale.
As the boxing community grieves, there is also a shared sense of responsibility—to honor his legacy by improving the safety and welfare of every athlete who dares to chase greatness inside the ropes.
