Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams Mourns Tragic Death of Nigerian Boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju
Nigerian Boxer || Boxing World in Mourning: Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju Dies After Ghana Fight
Accra, Ghana – March 31, 2025 – The boxing community is grieving after the tragic passing of Nigerian light-heavyweight boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who died following a match against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The incident has sparked urgent discussions about fighter safety protocols in professional boxing. International Boxing Association (IBA) Safety Guidelines
Minister Adams’ Heartfelt Condolences to Family and Boxing Community
Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, expressed deep sorrow, calling Olanrewaju a “talented, courageous, and promising athlete.”
“Gabriel embodied the spirit of African boxing. His loss is devastating for Nigeria, Ghana, and the global sports community.” — Full Statement from Ghana Ministry of Sports
Adams urged the Nigerian Boxing Federation and international bodies to collaborate in honoring Olanrewaju’s legacy. African Boxing Union (ABU) Official Response
Ghana Commits to Full Investigation and Enhanced Safety Measures of the Nigerian Boxer
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) will lead a transparent review of medical checks, referee interventions, and post-fight emergency responses.
“We will work with World Boxing Council (WBC) Medical Board to implement stricter safeguards.” — WBC Safety Protocols
Key reforms under consideration:
✔ Mandatory pre-fight brain scans (as per Association of Boxing Commissions Standards)
✔ Expanded ringside medical teams (aligned with International Boxing Federation (IBF) Regulations
✔ Real-time athlete vitals monitoring (pioneered by AIBA’s Tech in Boxing Taskforce
Global Call to Action: “Gabriel’s Law” for Fighter Protection
Adams proposed “Gabriel’s Law”—a pan-African boxing safety initiative to:
✅ Standardize weight-class medical certifications (WHO Athlete Health Guidelines)
✅ Require trauma specialists at all pro bouts (Federation of African Boxing Doctors)
✅ Establish a Boxer Welfare Fund (International Boxing Hall of Fame Support)
“No fighter should risk their life for our entertainment. This is a turning point.” — Global Boxing Council Statement
How the Public Can Honor Gabriel’s Legacy
1️⃣ Sign the petition for mandatory prefight medical transparency: Change.org/BoxingSafetyReform
2️⃣ Donate to the Olanrewaju Family Support Fund (GoFundMe Verified)
3️⃣ Attend virtual vigil hosted by Nigerian Boxing Board of Control
For real-time updates on boxing safety reforms:
🔗 World Boxing Association (WBA) News
🔗 BBC Sport Investigation Unit
🔗 Human Rights Watch – Sports Safety