Tragedy Strikes Boxing Community as Nigerian Boxer Gabriel Olanrewagu Dies During Bout In Ghana
The boxing world is mourning the loss of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Aluwasegun Olanrewagu, who tragically collapsed during an IMAX Boxing League bout on March 29, 2025.
The Trust Sports Emporium, operators of the Bukom Boxing Arena, confirmed the news and expressed profound sorrow in an official statement, revealing that Olanrewagu was pronounced dead after being rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, prompting the Trust Sports Emporium to take immediate action, including the postponement of its upcoming Amateur Boxing League. In a statement from its Mamprobi headquarters in Accra, the Emporium emphasized that while the fatal bout occurred at their facility, it was organized by IMAX Boxing Promotions, not the Emporium itself.
“Despite these precautions, we are deeply saddened by this tragic outcome,” the statement read. “The Trust Sports Emporium is always committed to ensuring that all events held at any of its facilities take place under safe conditions.”
Tragically, the presence of medical personnel and emergency transport was not enough to save Olanrewagu, who collapsed mid-fight against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu. The exact cause of death is currently under investigation, reigniting discussions about the inherent risks associated with the sport.
In response to this heartbreaking incident, the Emporium announced that the Amateur Boxing League would be indefinitely postponed until all major issues surrounding Olanrewagu’s death are thoroughly addressed. This decision reflects the gravity of the situation and indicates a period of reflection and review as the organization collaborates with relevant authorities and stakeholders to assess what went wrong.
The statement concluded with heartfelt condolences: “We wish to extend our deepest sympathy once again to the family of the boxer and the boxing fraternity as a whole.” Olanrewagu, known in the ring as “Success,” was a celebrated figure in Nigerian boxing, having held both the National and West African light-heavyweight titles.
