Ghana Boxing Federation official confirms Gabriel Olanrewaju’s death after collapsing mid-fight in Accra
Neusroom can confirm the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju, who collapsed and died during a fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Ghana on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The 40-year-old Lagos-born fighter was competing against Ghanaian fighter John Mbagunu, popularly known as “Power,” in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League when the heartbreaking incident occurred.
During the match, Gabriel Olanrewaju suddenly fell to the canvas, prompting the referee to call for medical assistance immediately. Initially, the timekeeper thought it was a knockdown, but it soon became clear that something was seriously wrong.
Despite urgent efforts by medical staff to revive him, Olanrewaju was later pronounced dead. A viral video of the fight showed both boxers exchanging powerful punches before Olanrewaju staggered and collapsed, hitting his head on the ring.
Although an official statement from the Ghana Boxing Federation is still pending, Charles Jojo Sergius-Ephson, Communications Officer of the Federation, confirmed Olanrewaju’s passing via phone call with Neusroom.
Gabriel Olanrewaju was born in Lagos and had an extensive professional boxing career, competing in 23 fights. He won 13 bouts, with 12 victories coming by knockout.
However, he had been struggling in recent years, losing his last four fights before this tragic match.
