The boxing world is mourning the tragic death of Nigerian fighter Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewagu, who passed away Saturday night at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Ghana.
What was expected to be another routine match in his long career ended in the worst possible way.
The 40-year-old veteran and former Nigerian national light heavyweight champion collapsed suddenly at the end of the third round during his bout against local fighter John Mbanugu.
The fight had been progressing normally until the end of the third round, when Olanrewagu unexpectedly slumped against the ropes without having taken any significant blows.
A Sudden Collapse in the Ring
Initially, the referee believed the fall might have been the result of an in-fight action, but upon realizing the seriousness of the situation, he immediately stopped the bout and called for medical assistance.
Emergency personnel quickly entered the ring and began performing CPR.
A video of the dramatic moment went viral on social media, capturing the instant the boxer collapsed without any apparent response.
Despite the medical team's swift intervention, they were unable to stabilize his condition at the venue and quickly arranged for emergency transport to a facility with more advanced equipment.
Resuscitation Attempts and Cause of Death
After being rushed to a nearby hospital, doctors made further attempts to save his life, but were ultimately unsuccessful.
Preliminary reports suggest cardiac arrest as the cause of death, though an official report with detailed findings has yet to be released.
This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves throughout the boxing community, with tributes pouring in from fans, trainers, and fellow athletes.
Gabriel Olanrewagu’s passing serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks in the sport and has reignited discussions around safety in professional boxing.