VIDEO: Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju dies during match

The sporting world is mourning the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed and died during a fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The 40-year-old boxer was competing against Ghanaian fighter John Mbagunu, known as “Power”, in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League when the heartbreaking incident happened.

During the match, Olanrewaju suddenly fell to the canvas, prompting the referee to immediately call for medical help.

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, he was later pronounced dead, with reports suggesting he may have suffered a cardiac arrest.

A viral video of the fight showed both boxers exchanging powerful punches before Olanrewaju staggered and collapsed, hitting his head on the ring.

Olanrewaju was born in Lagos and had 23 professional fights, winning 13, with 12 victories coming by knockout.

However, he had been struggling in recent years, losing four fights in a row before this tragic match.

Boxing, often hailed as the “sweet science,” is a sport that demands immense physical and mental fortitude.

Yet, beneath the glory of championship belts and roaring crowds lies a darker reality—the ever-present risk of fatal injury.

Throughout history, numerous fighters have paid the ultimate price, losing their lives in the ring due to the brutal nature of the sport.

Some of the most heartbreaking losses in boxing occurred during high-profile professional bouts.

In 1947, Jimmy Doyle succumbed to injuries after a knockout by the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson. Decades later, in 1980, Welsh bantamweight Johnny Owen tragically died following a world title fight against Lupe Pintor.

Perhaps one of the most infamous cases was that of Duk Koo Kim (1982), whose fatal bout with Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini led to significant rule changes in boxing, including shorter rounds and mandatory medical suspensions after knockouts.

More recently, Leavander Johnson (2005) passed away due to brain trauma after a lightweight title fight, and Patrick Day (2019) died days after a knockout in a super welterweight contest. Each of these cases underscores the fine line between triumph and tragedy in professional boxing.

While professional boxing garners more attention, amateur fighters also face life-threatening risks.

Scottish boxer Mike Towell (2016) collapsed and died after a regional bout, and Mexican fighter Jeanette Zacarias Zapata (2021) suffered fatal injuries in an amateur match in Canada.

*Medical Causes and Contributing Factors
The primary causes of boxing-related deaths are:
*Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Repeated blows can cause swelling, hemorrhaging, or irreversible brain damage.
*Subdural Hematoma: A severe form of brain bleeding that can lead to rapid deterioration.
*Cardiac Arrest: Extreme physical stress, dehydration, or undiagnosed heart conditions can prove fatal.

Weight-cutting practices, late stoppages by referees, and insufficient medical oversight have also contributed to fatalities in some cases.

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