Further investigations delay repatriation as tributes pour in for fallen champion
From Staff Writer
An autopsy has confirmed that Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju Segun, affectionately known as ‘Success’, died of sudden cardiac arrest during a professional match in Ghana, officials have revealed.
The 40-year-old collapsed in the ring last Saturday while facing Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu during Fight Night 15, part of the Ghana Professional Boxing League. Segun was reportedly ahead on points in the eighth round of the light-heavyweight clash when he suddenly slumped, prompting immediate medical intervention.
Despite rapid efforts by ringside medics to revive him—including the removal of his gum shield and emergency resuscitation—he was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) and President of the West African Boxing Union, confirmed the preliminary findings of the post-mortem examination, which was conducted on Wednesday, 2 April under court order.
“The preliminary post-mortem results indicate that Segun died from sudden cardiac arrest,” Aboderin stated. “However, further examination of his heart condition is necessary. Consequently, the release of his remains to Nigeria for burial will be delayed by approximately two weeks.”
The late boxer was a prominent figure in West African boxing, having once held both the Nigerian and West African light-heavyweight titles. He turned professional in 2019 and fought 24 bouts in total, recording 13 wins—12 of them by knockout—alongside nine losses and two draws.
Tributes have continued to pour in across the boxing community in West Africa and beyond, hailing Segun’s commitment to the sport and his spirited performances in the ring.
A full report is expected to follow upon completion of the medical investigation.
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