By Kwame Bediako
Tragedy struck in the boxing world on Saturday, March 29, 2025, when Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju died during a bout against Ghanaian boxer Jonathan Mbanugu. The incident has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with many calling for improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
According to Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Communication Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority, the incident is a wake-up call for the industry.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast show, Lamptey expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased boxer and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. “I will expect that this will serve as a turning point, a learning curve, for us to be able to adapt to positive thoughts in our boxing industry, correct them to avoid any future occurrences,” Lamptey said.
The boxing community is still reeling from the news, with many paying tribute to Olanrewaju’s memory. The Ghana Boxing Authority has promised to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The authority has also expressed its commitment to supporting the family of the deceased boxer during this difficult time.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of boxers in the ring. While boxing is a high-risk sport, there are measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of injury or death. The Ghana Boxing Authority has promised to review its safety protocols and work with stakeholders to ensure that boxers are protected.