Nigerian Boxing Boss Discloses Painful Financial Future Late Olanrewaju’s Family Could Face
- Nigerian fighter Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju died following a match at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29
- Nigeria Boxing Board of Control President, Rafiu Oladipo has raised concerns about who will provide for the boxer's family
- The Nigerian boxing boss also questioned the Ghana Boxing Authority over the incident and shared concerns about the incident
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The boxing world was stricken with sorrow on March 29, 2025, when Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed during a match at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Olanrewaju, who died minutes later, was competing in a bout against Accra-born boxer John Mbanugu, also known as 'Power', part of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
Source: Twitter
The incident has sent waves of grief through the boxing community, with the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) confirming Olanrewaju's death.
Questions about the responsibility for his well-being, the circumstances surrounding his death, and the aftermath for his family have now become the focus of discussions in both Ghana and Nigeria.
Who was Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju?
The 40-year-old was a dedicated and skilled athlete who had made notable contributions to the sport of boxing in Nigeria.
Known for his resilience and determination, Olanrewaju had built a solid reputation within Nigerian boxing circles.
His tragic death in the ring came as a cruel blow to his fans and left a profound impact on his family, friends, and fellow boxers.
The Nigerian boxing community, in particular, is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Many had high hopes for Olanrewaju, believing he could have achieved greater heights in his boxing career had fate not intervened in such a devastating manner.
He had a family that depended on him - a wife and three children - and his death has left them with an uncertain future.
Olanrewaju vs Mbanugu: what happened?
The match between Olanrewaju and John Mbanugu was going smoothly at first. Both fighters had entered the ring with confidence, each hoping to emerge victorious in front of the local audience at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
However, calamity struck when the Nigerian fighter collapsed in the ring. Medical personnel were immediately rushed to the scene, but despite their best efforts, he could not be revived.
Olanrewaju was pronounced dead on arrival at Korle-Bu. His passing has cast a shadow on the sport regarding how physically demanding and dangerous the sport can be.
In an official statement, the Ghana Boxing Authority expressed deep sorrow over the incident and acknowledged the loss of the Nigerian boxer as a great blow to the sport and the boxing community at large.
Olanrewaju's death raises safety and responsibility questions
The death of Olanrewaju has raised several questions about the safety measures in place during boxing matches, particularly in countries with developing boxing infrastructure such as Ghana.
While boxing is a high-risk sport, the safety of the athletes should always be a top priority, with proper medical staff, equipment, and precautions taken before, during, and after each bout.
Dr Rafiu Oladipo, the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) voiced concerns about the incident while speaking to Sporty FM in Accra, questioning the Ghana Boxing Authority over what steps would be taken to ensure that the boxer's family was taken care of.
Oladipo’s remarks have sparked some debate but also highlighted the need for greater accountability in such cases, emphasising that the Nigerian fighter's wife and three children could be left to deal with the aftermath of this tragic event without any support or compensation.
"I would like to know who will take care of the family of our late boxer, Gabriel Olanrewaju. He has a wife and three children, now that he is dead - who will take care of them? We need answers from the Ghana Boxing Authority. Olanrewaju was the breadwinner for three children and a wife. Who will look after them now that he is dead?'' Oladipo said.
Source: Twitter
Gabriel Olanrewaju: a family left in mourning
Gabriel Olanrewaju, part of the top six African boxers who died during boxing fights, leaves behind a wife and three young children who are now facing an uncertain future without their father.
The death of a breadwinner, particularly under such tragic circumstances, often leaves families in financial turmoil, complicating the emotional and psychological effects of such a loss.
However, president of the Ghana Boxing Writers Association and ex-PRO of the GBA, Sammy Heyood Okine, in a chat with YEN.com.gh, has urged boxing promotoers to insure their events to cover all fighters.
''I have always advocated for promoters to insure their events, matches in the country because you never what will happen. I have asked the top brass of the match organizers and I doubt there is an insurance package available that the late Nigerian boxer's family could benefit.'' Heywood Okine said.
While the boxer’s legacy will live on, his wife and children must now cope with the harsh reality of life without him.
This tragedy has brought to light the challenges faced by the families of athletes in high-risk sports, who often find themselves alone in the aftermath of a disaster like this.
It is hoped that the broader West African boxing community would rally behind Olanrewaju’s family, offering both emotional and financial support during this difficult time.
Nigerian boxing boss rants over Olanrewaju's death
YEN.com.gh also reported that Nigerian boxing chief Dr Oladipo expressed grief over the death of Olanrewaju during a bout in Ghana on March 30.
He called out the Ghana Boxing Authority for allowing the match with Mbanugu to take place a day later instead of March 29 as originally stated.
Source: YEN.com.gh
