Gabriel Olanrewaju: Update on Late Nigerian Boxer Expected on Wednesday
- Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju tragically died after collapsing at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29
- Further updates on the autopsy are expected to be released on April 2 following the boxer's passing in Ghana
- The Sports and Recreation Ministry, led by Kofi Adams, said it would lead a probe into Olanrewaju's passing
Following the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju in Ghana, the results of his autopsy are expected to be released today (April 2).
The 40-year-old collapsed midway during a boxing bout against John Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29, 2025.
The Ghana and Nigeria sports fraternities are in deep sadness, with all eyes now on the autopsy results to determine what exactly happened.
Source: Twitter
Nigerian boxer collapses at Bukom Boxing Arena
Gabriel Olanrewaju was a well-known figure in the boxing world, with a career that spanned many years. On March 29, he entered the ring at the Bukom Boxing Arena for what should have been a routine match against John Mbanugu.
However, the Nigerian collapsed during the bout and efforts to revive him failed. He was rushed to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in the capital but could not be saved. The Ghana Boxing Authority confirmed the tragedy in a statement.
Questions have been raised about the events leading to Olanrewaju's collapse but also the safety protocols and procedures in place during professional boxing matches in Ghana, particularly from the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control.
When will Olanrewaju's autopsy results be released?
The autopsy is scheduled for April 2 and is expected to shed light on the exact cause of Olanrewaju’s sudden collapse and eventual death.
Experts will determine if there were any underlying medical conditions or external factors that contributed to the boxer losing his life.
Meanwhile, the president of the Ghana Boxing Writers Association, Sammy Heywood Okine, in an exclusie chat with YEN.com.gh, lamented the sad incident.
''I heard his trainer told him not to fight on Saturday because of the short notice and the last-minute change of decisions. But you see sometimes, some of these journeymen boxers need the money. Maybe that is why the Nigerian boxer fought on Saturday despite his initial decision to stop the match. Nevertheless, it is a sad occurance for Nigeria and Ghana boxing,'' Heywood Okine said.
Specifically, the autopsy is expected to focus on whether there was a pre-existing medical issue, such as a heart condition, which may have led to the collapse.
Boxers, due to the physical nature of the sport, are often subjected to intense physical strain, which can lead to the uncovering of undiagnosed health conditions.
Additionally, investigators will look into the possibility of injury sustained during the match, which may have caused Olanrewaju’s health to deteriorate rapidly.
Ghana's Sports Ministry pledges itself to investigation
Following the incident, Ghana's Ministry of Sports and Recreation has promised a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death.
The ministry has expressed its commitment to ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Kofi Adams stated that the investigation would explore whether proper safety protocols were followed during the event and whether Olanrewaju’s medical history had been thoroughly reviewed before the match.
The ministry’s promise to take action is significant, as it emphasises the importance of accountability within the sports sector.
If any negligence or misconduct is found during the investigation, those responsible are expected to face appropriate sanctions.
Source: Twitter
Rafiu Oladipo blasts GBA over Olanrewaju's death
YEN.com.gh also reported on the displeasure of the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Dr Rafiu Oladipo.
He slammed the Ghana Boxing Authority for allowing the bout to happen at all after the original date was not honoured.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
