Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun, who collapsed during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Saturday night.
In a heartfelt message, Adams extended condolences to the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC), the Nigerian boxing fraternity, and the global boxing community, acknowledging the devastating loss.
Oluwasegun was facing Accra-born John Mbanugu, alias “Power,” in an undercard fight of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League when tragedy struck. Midway through the bout, he collapsed in the ring, prompting immediate medical intervention. Despite urgent efforts, the 40-year-old was unresponsive and was rushed to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has confirmed his passing, with reports suggesting cardiac arrest as a possible cause. A viral video shows the fighters exchanging heavy punches before Oluwasegun collapsed, just 15 seconds before the end of Round 3 in the scheduled eight-round contest.
Oluwasegun’s last recorded fight was on December 24, 2024, against Idowu Raheed at Lagos’ Campos Mini Stadium. His passing has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, sparking discussions on fighter safety and medical preparedness in combat sports.
