The untimely death of Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, known as “Success,” during a boxing match in Accra, Ghana, has prompted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Olanrewaju collapsed during a bout at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Bukom and was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. His passing has ignited a critical discussion about athlete safety within the boxing community, particularly concerning the Bel 7 Star Ghana Boxing League where the fight took place. Ghanaian Sports Minister Kofi Adams has responded by establishing a seven-member committee of inquiry to delve into the matter and determine the factors that contributed to Olanrewaju’s death.
The committee, chaired by Major (Retd) Amarkai Amarteifio, comprises a diverse group of individuals with expertise relevant to the investigation. Members include former Ghana Boxing Authority President Peter Zwennes, seasoned sports journalists Ekow Ansah and Samuel Bartels, along with Eddie Pappoe, Juliana Addo-Yobo, and Martin Engmann. This diverse composition aims to ensure a comprehensive and objective assessment of the events leading up to the boxer’s demise. The committee’s primary objective is to ascertain whether the organizers adhered to established safety protocols and international best practices in the lead-up to and during the fateful fight.
The committee’s terms of reference are multifaceted. Firstly, they will reconstruct the timeline of events that culminated in Olanrewaju’s collapse and subsequent death at the Bukom Boxing Arena. This will involve examining pre-fight procedures, medical checks, and the immediate response to the boxer’s collapse. Secondly, the committee will evaluate the adequacy of the organizers’ preventative measures, benchmarking them against international standards for boxing safety. This assessment will scrutinize whether proper medical personnel and equipment were readily available, whether the pre-fight medical examination was comprehensive, and whether the weight category match-up was appropriate.
The committee’s third key task is to investigate the role and actions of the Nigerian licensing authorities. They will ascertain whether the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) diligently verified Olanrewaju’s qualifications, experience, and medical fitness before granting him permission to participate in an international match in Accra. This aspect of the investigation is crucial to determine whether there were any procedural lapses or oversights on the Nigerian side that may have contributed to the tragic outcome. The investigation aims to provide clarity on the responsibilities of both the Ghanaian and Nigerian boxing authorities in ensuring the safety of their athletes.
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control has formally expressed grave concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death, alleging negligence on the part of the Ghana Boxing Authority. The NBBofC has pointed out several irregularities, including a discrepancy in the boxer’s weight, claiming he was allowed to fight in a light-heavyweight challenge despite weighing 85kg, which falls within the cruiserweight category. This raises questions about the pre-fight weigh-in process and whether the weight difference between Olanrewaju and his opponent, Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu, played a role in the tragic outcome. The NBBofC also alleges that no pre-fight medical examination was conducted on Olanrewaju during the weigh-in, further highlighting potential lapses in safety protocols.
Adding to the NBBofC’s concerns is the discrepancy in the fight date. Their release letter sanctioned the fight for March 28th, while the bout actually took place on March 29th. The NBBofC claims there was no communication regarding this change in date, raising questions about the administrative oversight and potential implications for the boxer’s preparation and well-being. These allegations underscore the need for a thorough investigation to determine the validity of the NBBofC’s claims and the extent to which any irregularities contributed to the tragic outcome.
The autopsy performed on Olanrewaju attributed his death to sudden cardiac arrest during the bout. This medical finding provides a crucial piece of information but does not absolve the relevant authorities from their responsibility to ensure the safety of participating athletes. Olanrewaju, a seasoned boxer with an extensive career spanning several years, had made his debut in 2019 and accumulated a record of 24 professional fights, including 13 wins (12 by knockout), nine losses, and two draws. He held the titles of National and West African light-heavyweight champion, showcasing his experience and dedication to the sport. His untimely death underscores the inherent risks associated with boxing and highlights the critical importance of stringent safety measures to protect the well-being of athletes. The ongoing investigation seeks to address the numerous questions surrounding Olanrewaju’s death and provide answers to his family, the boxing community, and the public.
