An autopsy has confirmed that Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju Segun, popularly known as ‘Success’, died from sudden cardiac arrest during his bout in Ghana last Saturday.
According to Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) and President of the West African Boxing Union, the preliminary findings from the post-mortem examination point to cardiac arrest as the cause of death. However, additional tests are required to determine if there was an underlying heart condition.
“The preliminary post-mortem results indicate that Segun died from sudden cardiac arrest,” Aboderin stated. “But further investigation into his heart condition is required, and as a result, his body will not be released to Nigeria for burial until approximately two weeks.”
The autopsy was carried out on Wednesday, April 2, following a court order related to the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boxer’s death.
The 40-year-old collapsed during his light-heavyweight fight against Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. At the time of the incident, Olanrewaju was reportedly ahead on points in the scheduled eight-round contest.
Medical personnel at ringside acted swiftly, removing his gum shield and attempting to resuscitate him as he struggled to breathe. He was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Olanrewaju had a notable boxing career, having been a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion. Since turning professional in 2019, he competed in 24 fights, securing 13 wins (12 by knockout), nine losses, and two draws.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the boxing community in Nigeria and West Africa, remembering him as a talented fighter who gave everything to the sport.
