Sad news as Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju passes away from his injuries
Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju (13-8-2, 12 KOs) sadly died after his light-heavyweight fight with Jon Mbanugu in Ghana Friday, March 28, 2025.
The 31-year-old from Lagos was born on December 8, 1993. He turned pro in July 2019 and won his first three fights.
He jumped up in levels to challenge Olanrewaju Durodola for the African cruiserweight title in just his fourth fight, and he was unable to come out of his corner for round five against the man known as ‘God’s Power’. Durodola was a world title contender who had fought against Mairis Briedis and Richard Riakporhe. He currently has 50 victories, with 44 KOs.
Oluwasegun came back strongly to win his next six contests by KO, and won the Nigerian light-heavyweight championship on Christmas Eve in 2021. He later became a West African Boxing Union light-heavyweight champion in September 2023, which would become his last professional victory.
He lost all four fights in 2024, and his March 28 fight with Jon Mbanugu was part of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
The Ghana Boxing Authority confirmed the news of death, stating that, after receiving first aid, he was taken to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where he was pronounced dead just 30 minutes after arrival.
The general secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin, described Oluwasegun as a “fearless” fighter who died a “ring warrior”.
“We are really devastated,” Aboderin told BBC Sport Africa. “[This] is not something we envisaged. We will live up to our responsibility and make sure that we stand [by] the family.”
BBN would like to offer their deepest condolences to all Gabriel’s friends and family at this difficult time.