CurrentReport Blog Tragedy struck the boxing world on Saturday evening at the Bel 7Star Professional Boxing League when Nigerian boxer Gabriel Aluwasegun Olanrewaju, 40, collapsed in the ring following a bout against his 22-year-old Ghanaian opponent, Johnathan Mbanugu. Olanrewaju was rushed to the hospital but was tragically pronounced dead on arrival.
The seasoned boxer, who had a career spanning numerous years, was competing in an undercard bout at Ghana’s Professional Boxing League’s Fight Night 15. Olanrewaju’s professional record included 23 fights, with 13 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws. He was well-known for his incredible contributions to boxing, holding both the national and West African light-heavyweight titles during his career.
The devastating moment of Olanrewaju collapsing in the ring was captured on video and has quickly gone viral across social media platforms, sparking an outpouring of grief and condolences from fans, colleagues, and sports officials. Tributes have flooded in from across Nigeria and West Africa, remembering Gabriel as a dedicated athlete who left a lasting impact on the sport.
Boxing enthusiasts and officials alike have praised Olanrewaju for his resilience and passion for boxing, which was evident in every fight he participated in. His tragic passing has left the boxing community mourning the loss of a beloved veteran.
The event has also raised awareness of the risks associated with combat sports, leading to conversations about the importance of fighter safety and medical preparedness during bouts.
Olanrewaju’s death is a profound loss to Nigerian and West African boxing, and he will be remembered for his contributions both inside and outside the ring. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the boxing community during this difficult time.
