Circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, has led to the commencement of investigation to know the cause of the tragedy that occurred at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday.
Oluwasegun collapsed in the ring during the third round of his scheduled contest against Ghanaian boxer, John Mbanugu, on the IMAX Promotions Boxing League.
Efforts from paramedics at ringside to resuscitate him proved futile with the boxer declared dead at the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital moments later.
The incident has since attracted messages of commiserations from several individuals and organisations, including Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Ministry and the Ghana Boxing Authority.
Ghana’s Sports Minister, Mr Kofi Adams, in a statement from the Ministry said his outfit would fully cooperate with the investigation to unravel the cause of death of Oluwasegun.
“We deeply empathise with the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC), the entire Nigerian boxing fraternity, and the global boxing community over this irreplaceable loss. Gabriel’s untimely departure not only deprives boxing of an admirable competitor but also reminds us of the unpredictable nature of the sports we passionately love.
“While we await the official medical report regarding the cause of Gabriel’s passing, the ministry, together with the GBA, pledge full cooperation to ensure a thorough investigation and to support all efforts aimed at improving the safety of our athletes,” the statement revealed.
In a separate statement, the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) confirmed the death of the boxer and explained that he fought with medical clearance from their Nigerian counterparts.
“Oluwasegun was declared medically fit by the Nigeria Boxing Board Control (NBBC) with his certification as a professional boxer before the GBA sanctioned and approved the international contest,” it emphasised.
Recounting events on the night, it said “Oluwasegun seemed to have dominated the fight from round one but a few seconds before the end of round three, he stepped back during the fight and fell on the ropes with his back without any punch whatsoever from his opponent.
The referee, Richard Amevi, sensing danger, waved his hand for the end of the fight and immediately invited the ringside physician with the support of paramedics from the National Ambulance Service to attend to the boxer to help resuscitate him.”
The incident was reported at the Korle-bu Police Station and information was sent to the Secretary of the Nigerian Boxing Board Control.
BY ANDREW NORTEY
