Segun Olanrewaju: NBBofC faults Ghanaian Federation over negligence, says ‘no medicals was done’

The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has accused the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) of negligence in the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju during a fight in Ghana.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, NBB of C Secretary-General, Remi Aboderin, alleged that the GBA failed to follow standard boxing regulations before staging the match.

Olanrewaju, 40, collapsed in the third round of his light-heavyweight bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League in Accra. He was pronounced dead 30 minutes after being rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Aboderin revealed that the match took place a day later than the NBB of C’s approved schedule without proper communication. He further alleged that no medical examinations or mandatory weigh-in procedures were conducted before the fight.

“Segun was supposed to fight on March 28, but the match was postponed to the 29th without informing us. No medical checks were carried out, and he didn’t undergo a weigh-in. He had already left for Nigeria before being called back,” Aboderin stated.

Olanrewaju, a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion, had a professional record of 24 fights, securing 13 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws.

His sudden passing has sparked concerns over athlete safety and regulatory oversight in African boxing.