The sudden death of Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju during a bout in Accra, Ghana, has ignited a contentious dispute between the Nigerian and Ghanaian boxing authorities. The core of the disagreement revolves around the pre-fight medical examination procedures, a critical aspect of ensuring fighter safety. The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) contends that proper medical protocols were not followed by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), leading to Olanrewaju’s tragic demise. Conversely, the GBA maintains that all necessary procedures were adhered to, including medical checks before the fight. This clash of narratives has further fuelled the already emotionally charged situation surrounding the boxer’s death.
The NBBofC, led by Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, expressed shock and grief over Olanrewaju’s passing, emphasizing the mandatory nature of medical examinations 24 hours prior to any fight. They question how a former champion could participate in a bout without undergoing such a crucial check, placing the responsibility squarely on the GBA to provide a comprehensive explanation of the events leading up to the tragedy. Ladipo highlighted the standard protocol, which dictates that medical examinations and weigh-ins are both mandatory steps, with the medical check being of paramount importance. The NBBofC’s assertion is that the medical examination was overlooked, despite the weigh-in being conducted, thereby jeopardizing the fighter’s safety.
The GBA, represented by spokesperson Amin Lamptey, offered condolences to Olanrewaju’s family and defended the organization’s procedures. Lamptey stated that the GBA had received all necessary information regarding Olanrewaju, including his records and history as a former champion. He emphasized that the GBA has its own internal protocols, which include cross-checking health reports with an in-house doctor and conducting both pre- and post-fight medical checks, including urinalysis. Lamptey insisted that these procedures were followed in Olanrewaju’s case, directly contradicting the NBBofC’s claims. This conflicting account further complicates the investigation into the circumstances of the boxer’s death.
The NBBofC Secretary General, Remi Aboderin, challenged the GBA’s assertions, providing a detailed account of the process from the Nigerian side. He confirmed that Olanrewaju presented his contract from the Ghanaian promoter to the NBBofC and subsequently received a release permit for the fight. Aboderin stated that it is the responsibility of the host commission, in this case the GBA, to provide the medical fee for examinations on the day of the weigh-in. He claimed to have learned that no medical examination was conducted on Olanrewaju, despite the weigh-in taking place, further bolstering the NBBofC’s position. This procedural discrepancy underscores the core of the disagreement between the two boxing authorities.
Adding weight to the NBBofC’s concerns, coach Austin Okporu, who was present at the event with another Nigerian boxer, corroborated the lack of medical examinations. Okporu testified that neither he nor the boxer he accompanied underwent medical checks before their respective fights. He recounted questioning the absence of medical personnel, highlighting the fact that only weigh-ins were conducted before the bouts. This independent corroboration strengthens the argument that standard medical procedures were not followed at the event, placing the responsibility firmly on the Ghanaian authorities.
The World Boxing Foundation (WBF) medical guidelines, which stipulate pre-contest medical examinations immediately before weigh-ins and post-contest checks for all fighters, provide a clear benchmark against which the procedures followed in Accra can be assessed. The conflicting accounts from both sides necessitate a thorough investigation to establish the exact sequence of events leading up to Olanrewaju’s death. The NBBofC’s decision to suspend all professional boxing activities in Nigeria for two weeks as a mark of respect for the deceased boxer underscores the gravity of the situation. The ongoing dispute highlights the importance of rigorous adherence to medical protocols in boxing to prevent such tragedies in the future. A transparent and conclusive investigation is crucial to ensure accountability and provide closure for Olanrewaju’s family and the boxing community at large.
