The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) says that the late Nigerian boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, was declared medically fit before he entered the ring.
The deceased, who was fighting Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu in a Light Heavyweight international contest, passed away at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
His sudden demise, according to the GBA, occurred after he leaned on the ropes with his back without receiving any punch from his opponent before being rushed to the facility.
Confirming Oluwasegun’s death, the GBA explained the health status of the late boxer before the fight was sanctioned.
“Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju was declared medically fit by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) with his certified certificate as a professional boxer before the GBA sanctioned and approved the international contest,” it said in a statement.
The GBA noted that Oluwasegun was dominating the fight from round one before he unfortunately met his untimely exit from the ring in round 3 of the bout.
“Gabriel Oluwasegun, some few seconds to end round 3, stepped back during the fight and leaned on the ropes with his back without any punch whatsoever from his opponent Jon Mbanugu.”
The statement pointed out that the medical team applied first-aid resuscitation until the boxer was immediately transported to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead 30 minutes after arrival.
The GBA has informed the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) of the matter and commiserates with the boxing community.
“The GBA wishes to extend its condolences to the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) and all boxing enthusiasts in Ghana and across the globe,” it stressed.
According to the GBA, the body has been deposited at the hospital morgue pending an official autopsy report.
He entered the ring with an official record of 23 fights, 8 defeats, 13 victories, and 12 of those victories coming by way of knockouts.
