The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has affirmed that the Bel 7-Star Energy Drink Professional Boxing League will continue despite the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed in the ring during a bout in Accra and was later pronounced dead at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
GBA Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, acknowledged the devastating loss but emphasized that it will not disrupt the league’s progress.
Olanrewaju, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, was competing against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu in an eight-round light-heavyweight clash during Week 15 of the Professional Boxing League, organized by Imax Boxing Promotions at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29, 2025.
The bout saw Olanrewaju start strongly, dominating the early rounds. However, at 2:46 of Round 3, he suddenly collapsed—without receiving a punch—leaving the audience and officials in shock. Referee Richard Amevi immediately halted the contest as medics and paramedics rushed to provide emergency care before transferring him to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead 30 minutes later.
Following the tragedy, the Trust Sports Emporium, managers of the Bukom Boxing Arena, announced the suspension of the Ghana Amateur Boxing League to review safety protocols. However, the GBA has taken a different stance regarding the professional league, insisting that boxing will continue.
Speaking to Citi Sports’ Bennard Abeiku Okyere on March 30, Lamptey stated:
*”Fatalities in sports, including boxing, football, basketball, and horse racing, serve as painful reminders. This incident is an eye-opener for the entire boxing fraternity, but it is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred in the sport. Many boxers worldwide have suffered injuries such as brain bleeding, concussions, and head trauma.
I don’t believe this will take the steam out of the boxing league. This is part of the sport, and unfortunately, deaths in the ring have happened before. However, if my memory serves me right, this is the first time a boxer has died in the ring in Ghana.”*
The cause of Olanrewaju’s collapse remains under investigation, with initial speculation suggesting a medical emergency unrelated to fight trauma. The incident has sparked discussions about safety measures in boxing, but for now, the GBA remains committed to keeping the league running.
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