Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation has appointed a seven-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Nigerian boxer, Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, also known as ‘Success’. The boxer tragically passed away after collapsing during a fight at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Bukom on March 29, 2025. Olanrewaju, aged 40, was later pronounced dead at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. His passing has ignited widespread discussions on athlete safety and the regulatory standards of boxing in the region.
Olanrewaju had a distinguished career, having held titles such as the National and West African light-heavyweight champion. He had participated in 24 professional bouts since his debut in 2019, with a record of 13 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws. His death during Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League raised concerns about the adequacy of safety measures in place during the event, prompting Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, to announce the establishment of an inquiry.
The newly formed committee will be led by Major (Retired) Amarkai Amarteifio, a prominent figure in Ghanaian sports. Other committee members include former Ghana Boxing Authority President Peter Zwennes, veteran sports journalists Ekow Ansah and Samuel Bartels, as well as boxing officials Eddie Pappoe, Juliana Addo-Yobo, and Martin Engmann. The committee’s mandate is to thoroughly investigate the events surrounding Olanrewaju’s death, with a focus on whether the organisers followed appropriate protocols to ensure the safety of the fighters. Specifically, they will determine if the match was conducted according to international standards and if adequate medical steps were taken before and during the event.
Additionally, the committee will assess whether the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) followed proper procedures in licensing Olanrewaju for the match in Accra. This investigation is also prompted by serious concerns raised by the NBBofC. The board has accused the Ghana Boxing Authority of negligence, citing several irregularities. Among these are the alleged mismatch in the weight category, as Olanrewaju fought in a light-heavyweight challenge while reportedly weighing 85kg, which falls under the cruiserweight division. Furthermore, the NBBofC highlighted that Olanrewaju did not undergo any pre-fight medical examination during the weigh-in, which is a critical safety step. The Nigerian board also noted a discrepancy in the fight’s official schedule, as the fight was cleared for March 28, but took place a day later on March 29 without prior notification.
The autopsy report on Olanrewaju’s death confirmed that he died from sudden cardiac arrest during the bout. This finding has led to a renewed call for more stringent medical testing and safety measures for boxers, particularly those over the age of 35. The committee is expected to examine these claims and provide a detailed report that could have significant implications for how boxing events are organised and regulated across the region.
The investigation will also explore the broader issue of athlete welfare in professional sports, particularly in combat sports. The committee’s findings are anticipated to inform future regulations and safety protocols for boxing events, potentially leading to stricter rules regarding medical checks and event organisation. The sports community, along with boxing fans and regulatory bodies, will be closely monitoring the progress of the investigation, as it may affect the regulatory landscape for international boxing events in the future.
Ghana’s Ministry of Sports has promised that the committee will provide its findings within a specified time frame, although no exact deadline has been given. Once the inquiry is complete, the results will be used to determine whether any party is accountable for the tragic event and to recommend necessary reforms in the boxing sector to prevent similar occurrences.
This investigation is not only about seeking justice for Olanrewaju’s death but also about ensuring the safety and well-being of future athletes in the region. As the committee works through the evidence, it will undoubtedly shape the future of boxing safety standards in Ghana and beyond.
