A dispute has erupted between the Nigerian and Ghanaian boxing authorities over the circumstances surrounding the death of former Nigerian champion Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju. The 40-year-old boxer collapsed in the ring during a bout in Accra, Ghana, and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has questioned the medical protocols followed by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), alleging that Olanrewaju did not undergo the required medical checks before the fight.
However, the GBA has defended its procedures, claiming that all necessary protocols were followed. The GBA spokesperson, Amin Lamptey, stated that Olanrewaju’s medical records were already on file, and that he was checked by a doctor before the fight.
The NBBofC has countered these claims, saying that it was not invited to the fight and that Olanrewaju obtained a release permit from the board based on a contract from the Ghanaian promoter.
The World Boxing Federation (WBF) medical guidelines require a pre-contest medical examination to be conducted immediately before the weigh-in, with additional post-contest checks for each fighter.
The NBBofC has announced a two-week suspension of all professional boxing activities in Nigeria as a mark of respect for the deceased fighter.
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