40-year-old Nigerian boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju has passed away after collapsing during a boxing match in Ghana.
The former National and West African light-heavyweight champion was competing against Accra-born John Mbanugu, nicknamed “Power,” in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League when the incident occurred at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Midway through the fight, Olanrewaju suddenly fell to the canvas, prompting the referee to call for immediate medical assistance. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead, with reports suggesting he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
A video of the match circulating on social media shows both fighters fiercely exchanging punches before Olanrewaju stumbled and collapsed, with only 15 seconds remaining in the third round of the scheduled eight-round bout.
His sudden passing has left the boxing community in mourning.
A respected figure in Nigerian boxing, Olanrewaju previously held National and West African light-heavyweight titles. According to BoxRec, he was born in Lagos and had an extensive professional career, competing in 23 fights, winning 13—12 by knockout—while suffering eight losses and recording two draws.
In recent years, he had faced challenges in the ring, enduring four consecutive losses before his tragic passing. His most recent fight was on December 24, 2024, when he was defeated by Idowu Raheed at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos.
