An autopsy has confirmed that Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju Segun, popularly known as “Success,” died of sudden cardiac arrest during a boxing match in Accra, Ghana, last Saturday, okaynews.com reports.
Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and President of the West African Boxing Union, revealed that preliminary post-mortem results identified cardiac arrest as the cause of death. However, further investigation into Olanrewaju’s heart condition is still underway, and his body will not be released for repatriation and burial in Nigeria for at least two more weeks.
“The preliminary autopsy shows sudden cardiac arrest, but deeper investigation is needed. His body remains in Ghana for now,” Aboderin stated.
The 40-year-old collapsed during his light-heavyweight bout against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15, part of the Ghana Professional Boxing League. At the time, Olanrewaju was reportedly leading on points in the eight-round contest.
After he suddenly slumped in the ring, medics at Bukom Boxing Arena swiftly intervened, removing his gum shield and attempting resuscitation before rushing him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Olanrewaju was a former Nigerian and West African light-heavyweight champion. Since his professional debut in 2019, he fought 24 times, recording 13 wins (12 by knockout), nine losses, and two draws.
His death has shocked the boxing community across West Africa, sparking calls for more rigorous health screenings for athletes before high-stakes bouts.
