…Says He Was Declared Fit To Fight By Nigeria Boxing Board of Control
Abdulazeez Abdulwahab
THE Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has offered a detailed account of how Nigerian boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, died during the lmax boxing promotions fight for the ongoing Bel 7Stur Energy Drink Professional Boxing League for week 15.
In a release signed by Mohammed Amin Lamptey, GBA’s Director of Communication, the authority says Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju passed away at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Gabriel Oluwsegun Olanrewaju had taken on his Ghanaian opponent, Jon Mbanugu in a promotions bill light heavyweight international contest over 8 rounds.
Oluwasegun seemed to have dominated the fight from round one but unfortunately met his untimely exit from the ring in round 3 (2 minutes 46 seconds).
According to GBA, Gabriel Oluwasegun, a few seconds to end round 3, stepped back during the fight and leaned on the ropes with his back without any punch whatsoever from his opponent Jon Mbanugu.
“The referee, Richard Amevi, sensing danger, waved his hand for the end of the fight and immediately invited the ringside physician with the support of paramedics from the national ambulance service to attend to the boxer and help resuscitate him.
“After applying the first-aid resuscitation process, the boxer was immediately transported to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead 30 minutes after arrival,”
The GBA further stated that its president. Abraham Kotei Neequaye, who was close to the scene at the ringside and the hospital, immediately started the processes of preserving the boxer’s body after he was pronounced dead, whilst speaking to the General Secretary of Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC), Remi Abodorin on the situation.
“The GBA president reported the incident to the Korle Bu Police Station, and this morning helped to move the body to the main mortuary for preservation.
“The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon Kofi lddie Adams, was formally informed by the GBA president of the unfortunate incident.”
Speaking further, GBA spokesman insists that Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju was declared medically fit by the Nigeria Boxing Control (NBBC) with his certified certificate as a professional boxer before the GBA sanctioned and approved the international contest.
According to GBA, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju entered the ring with an official record of 23 fights, 8 defeats, I3 victories, and 12 of the victories came by way of knockouts.
“The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) is seriously mourning the demise of a potential world beater who was dictating a beautiful fight and all of a sudden visited the canvas and fell into what has been described as an induced coma even though an official cause of death is yet to be made available after autopsy.
“The GBA wishes to extend its condolences to the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) and all boxing enthusiasts in Ghana and across the globe. There have been several deaths recorded in the ring over the years, we pray to the Lord to help protect all boxers during fights. Death is indeed unknown and you never know where it will catch up with you.
“May the soul of Gabriel Oluwasengu, and all other boxers who died in similar circumstances” rest in perfect peace”.
Eighteen-Eleven Media