‘We are really devastated’ – Boxer tragically dies after collapsing in ring without contact as tributes paid
BOXER Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju has tragically passed away following a fight.
The light-heavyweight from Nigeria collapsed during an eight-round bout against Jon Mbanugu.
According to TMZ, Olanrewaju fell back into the ropes without any contact from his opponent.
Referee Richard Amevi immediately stopped the fight and the ringside physician and EMS administered aid, including CPR.
Olanrewaju is said to have been transported from the Bukom Boxing Arena to a local hospital – but sadly he died 30 minutes later.
Remi Aboderin, the general secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, said: “We are really devastated.
“[This] is not something we envisaged. We will live up to our responsibility and make sure that we stand [by] the family.”
Olanrewaju was confirmed medically fit and approved to fight Mbanugu by the NBBC before the bout.
BoxRec stats show that Olanrewaju turned professional in 2019.
He competed all of his bouts in Nigeria and Russia except his final which was in Ghana.
Olanrewaju passed away with a record of 13 wins, eight losses and two draws.
He won 12 of his 13 via knockout and formerly held the West African light-heavyweight tite.
Olanrewaju’s death is the second in the sport this year after Irishman John Cooney passed in February seven days after a fight with Nathan Howells.