Autopsy Reveals Nigerian Boxer Who Collapsed Ghana Died of Cardiac Arrest

A postmortem has confirmed cardiac arrest as caused of death of 40-year-old Nigerian boxer, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, who suddenly collapsed during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Ghana on March 29, 2025.

The report, was announced by the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and President of the West African Boxing Union, Remi Aboderin.

The former West African and National light-heavyweight champion had a fight with Accra-born John Mbanugu, also called “Power,” when he suddenly fell on the mat, prompting the referee to call for immediate medical assistance.

Regardless of the desperate efforts by medical professionals to revive him, Olanrewaju was declared dead on the spot.

The autopsy conducted on April 2, 2025, following a court directive has thrown some light into the cause of Olanrewaju’s death in a sudden and tragic circumstance.

The post-mortem analysis, according to Aboderin, indicates that cardiac arrest resulted in death but further examination of Olanrewaju’s heart condition would have to be conducted before burial arrangements were made.

“The initial post-mortem results show that Segun died from sudden cardiac arrest. But the investigation into his heart condition is not complete, and therefore his body will not be released to Nigeria for burial until about two weeks,” Aboderin explained.

Withholding the body of Olanrewaju is needed in order to enable a thorough investigation of all the possible factors that contributed to his death.

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and the West African Boxing Union have pledged collaboration with the Ghana authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death of Olanrewaju are thoroughly investigated and that all measures are taken to avoid such tragedies in the future.

The Nigerian and global boxing community is still coming to grips with Olanrewaju’s premature death, and the autopsy report has brought some consolation to his family and supporters.

However, the episode serves as a stark reminder of contact sport dangers and the risks associated with contact sports like boxing, and the need for rigorous medical screening and safety protocols being implemented to protect athletes.