The Nigerian boxing community has been left heartbroken following the tragic death of Olanrewaju “Success” Segun, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, who collapsed mid-fight in Ghana and never recovered.
The 40-year-old warrior stepped into the ring for what was meant to be another defining battle, facing Ghanaian boxer John “Power” Mbanugu in an undercard bout at Ghana’s Professional Boxing League. But in a cruel twist of fate, the fight on Saturday, March 29, at the Bukom Boxing Arena turned into his final moments.
With just 15 seconds left in the third round of the scheduled eight-round contest, Olanrewaju Segun, who had been engaging in a fierce exchange, suddenly staggered and collapsed to the canvas. The referee immediately signaled for medical assistance, and paramedics rushed to his side, desperately attempting to revive him. However, despite their efforts, he was later pronounced dead, with preliminary reports suggesting a possible cardiac arrest.
A heartbreaking video of the fight, now circulating online, shows both men trading heavy blows before Olanrewaju lost his balance and went down. The arena, once roaring with excitement, fell into stunned silence.
A Fighter’s Legacy
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olanrewaju was a seasoned professional, boasting an impressive record of 13 wins—12 by knockout—out of 23 fights. A feared puncher in his prime, he once dominated the West African boxing scene, carving a name for himself with his devastating power.
However, in recent years, the tide had turned. He endured four consecutive defeats, his last fight before Ghana coming on December 24, 2024, where he fell to Idowu Raheed at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos. Even in defeat, he remained a fighter, a man willing to step into the ring, defy the odds, and battle on.
A Nation Mourns a Fallen Warrior
Olanrewaju’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the boxing community. Tributes have poured in from fellow fighters, fans, and sports enthusiasts who once witnessed his relentless spirit inside the ropes.
From the streets of Lagos to the Bukom Boxing Arena, he lived and breathed the sport he loved. And now, as Nigeria mourns one of its own, the echoes of his battles will live on.
