Nigerian Boxing Community Mourns Death of Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju

Tributes continue to pour in from the Nigerian boxing community following the tragic death of former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju.

Olanrewaju, 40, collapsed during a boxing match against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana, on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Nigeria Boxing Board of Control Chairman, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, expressed his condolences, saying, “It is unfortunate we had to lose him, and may his soul rest in peace.”

Ladipo added that the NBBofC met with Olanrewaju’s family in Ogun State to offer commiserations. Olanrewaju is survived by a wife and three children.

Other notable figures in Nigerian boxing, including NBBofC secretary general Remi Aboderin, Nigeria Boxing Federation interim president Azania Omo-Agege, and boxing coach Tony Konyegwachie, also paid tribute to Olanrewaju.

Former Nigerian boxer Ikechukwu Okoronkwo described Olanrewaju’s death as “very sad,” saying it appeared to be a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

Boxing promoter Saleh Fawaz was also shocked by the news, saying, “This news hit hard… May his soul rest in peace and may God give his loved ones every strength they need during this terrible period.”