Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju tragically passed away after collapsing during a boxing bout on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The former West African light-heavyweight champion was competing against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu in an eight-round contest at the Boxing Promotions event.
During Round 3, Olanrewaju suddenly leaned on the ropes, prompting ringside physicians and paramedics from the National Ambulance Service to administer first aid before rushing him to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
While initial reports claimed Olanrewaju died before arriving at the hospital, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Communications Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), provided chilling details of his final moments, countering those claims.
In an interview with UTV, Lamptey revealed that paramedics partially resuscitated Olanrewaju before transporting him to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead despite receiving oxygen.
“The referee called the ringside physician, who then summoned the National Ambulance Service. They resuscitated him, transferred him to Korle Bu, and took him straight to the emergency department. He was put on oxygen, but after 30 minutes, he died,” Lamptey explained.
Lamptey also addressed misinformation suggesting that Olanrewaju had died in the ring.
“Let’s correct some misinformation out there. People are reporting that he died at the boxing arena, but that’s false. He didn’t die in the ring,” he added.
Watch the video below:
FKA/MA
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians applaud Black Stars for excellent performances against Chad, Madagascar
