Autopsy confirms Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju Segun died from sudden cardiac arrest during his bout in Ghana, pending full investigation

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n autopsy conducted on Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju Segun, also known as ‘Success’, has confirmed that he died of sudden cardiac arrest during a professional bout in Ghana last weekend.

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The preliminary post-mortem was carried out on Wednesday, 2 April, following a court order. The autopsy, performed in Ghana, identified cardiac arrest as the immediate cause of death.

However, authorities have requested further investigation into his heart condition before his remains can be repatriated to Nigeria.

Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) and President of the West African Boxing Union, confirmed the findings.

“The preliminary post-mortem results indicate that Segun died from sudden cardiac arrest,” Aboderin stated. “But further investigation into his heart condition is required, and as a result, his body will not be released to Nigeria for burial until approximately two weeks.”

Olanrewaju, aged 40, collapsed in the ring during his light-heavyweight clash with Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

Despite leading on points in the eight-round contest, tragedy struck when he appeared to struggle for breath and dropped mid-fight.

Medical personnel immediately rushed into the ring, removed his gumshield, and attempted emergency resuscitation before transferring him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Sadly, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Tributes have since poured in for the late boxer, whose career spanned five years with 24 professional bouts. He recorded 13 wins—12 of them by knockout—alongside nine losses and two draws.

A former national and West African light-heavyweight champion, Olanrewaju was known for his powerful punches and unrelenting drive, even amid personal and financial struggles.

His tragic death has reignited conversations about boxer health and safety across West Africa, with calls for stricter medical evaluations before matches.

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As investigations continue, the boxing community mourns the loss of one of its most tenacious fighters, awaiting the return of his remains for a proper burial in Nigeria.