Sports Minister Extends Ghana’s Condolences to Family of Late Nigerian Boxer

Accra, Ghana – Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic passing of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun, who collapsed during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Saturday night.

A Heartfelt Message of Condolence

In an official statement, Minister Adams extended his deepest sympathies to the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC), the Nigerian boxing community, and the global boxing fraternity. The minister acknowledged the devastating loss to the sport and offered Ghana’s full support during this difficult time.

Tragic Incident During Boxing Match

The 40-year-old Oluwasegun was competing against Accra-born boxer John “Power” Mbanugu in an undercard fight of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League when the tragedy occurred. Midway through the bout, the Nigerian boxer suddenly collapsed in the ring, prompting immediate medical intervention.

Despite urgent efforts to revive him at the venue and subsequent emergency care at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Oluwasegun was pronounced dead. The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) later confirmed his passing in an official statement, sending shockwaves through the boxing community.

Details of the Fatal Match

A viral video of the fight shows both boxers exchanging heavy punches before Oluwasegun stumbled and collapsed just 15 seconds before the end of the third round in their scheduled eight-round match. Initial assessments suggested a knockdown, but the severity of the situation quickly became apparent.

Medical reports indicate the boxer may have suffered cardiac arrest during the match. Oluwasegun’s last recorded fight prior to this tragic event was on December 24, 2024, against Idowu Raheed at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos.

Boxing Community in Mourning

The incident has left both Ghanaian and Nigerian boxing communities in mourning, with tributes pouring in for the late athlete. The Ghana Boxing Authority has pledged to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Minister Adams emphasized the need for continued safety measures in professional boxing while honoring Oluwasegun’s contribution to the sport. The minister also assured that Ghana would provide all necessary support to the late boxer’s family and the Nigerian boxing authorities.

This report is based on information from 3News.com. For more details, please refer to the original source.