The boxing fraternity was thrown into mourning on Sunday, March 30, 2025, following the sudden and tragic death of Nigerian light heavyweight boxer Gabriel Aluwasegun Olanrewaju, popularly known as ‘Success.’

The 40-year-old collapsed in the third round of an international eight-round bout against Ghanaian opponent Jonathan Mbanugu during the Bel 7Star Ghana Professional Boxing League Match Night 15 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

He was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead, marking one of the most tragic incidents in Ghanaian boxing history.

Initial reports suggest that Aluwasegun may have suffered cardiac arrest. His collapse was unexpected, as a second and third review of the footage did not show any particularly devastating punch from his opponent that could have directly caused the fatal incident.

However, what stood out was Aluwasegun’s unusual habit of repeatedly hitting his head during the fight, especially after receiving a jab or punch. While it is not uncommon for boxers to hit themselves during a bout to psych themselves up, the force and frequency with which he did it were alarming.

A Call for Stricter Medical and Safety Standards

Boxing is an inherently dangerous sport, where head trauma and physical exhaustion are constant risks. While this tragic incident may have been due to an underlying medical condition, it highlights the urgent need to review and strengthen the medical, physical, and psychological assessments required for fighters before they enter the ring.

In Ghana, boxing lacks the advanced sports medicine facilities and expert medical personnel that exist in more developed boxing nations.

Unlike in the United States or the UK, where boxers undergo rigorous medical screening, brain scans, and cardiovascular tests etc, before fights, African boxing commissions often fall short in enforcing such strict standards.

Before any professional bout, fighters are expected to undergo a comprehensive health screening, including physical fitness evaluation, neurological and cardiovascular tests, as well as drug testing to detect banned substances.

However, in Ghana and much of Africa, these procedures are often inconsistent or lack the necessary advanced medical tools to properly assess a boxer’s health.

A Lesson from Previous Incidents

While boxing-related fatalities are rare in Ghana, this is not the first time a boxer has collapsed in the ring. I have witnessed a few chilling moments when boxers have collapsed in the ring in my nearly four decades of following Ghana boxing.

Several fighters have fainted, suffered concussions, or needed urgent medical attention during fights. Even Ghanaian boxing icon Braimah ‘Bukom Banku’ Kamoko once had a similar experience but was fortunate to recover.

There have also been concerning cases of fighters with visible health issues still being allowed to compete.

A clear example is a lightweight boxer from Togo, Komlangan Anani Matieu Hounkpatin, who has a large lump on his arm, an abnormality that had grown significantly over the years.

Despite his deteriorating condition, he was still cleared to fight, raising serious concerns about the medical clearance process in Ghanaian boxing. This negligence puts lives at risk and reinforces the need for stronger regulation and oversight.

A Tragedy That Must Inspire Change

The untimely death of Gabriel Aluwasegun Olanrewaju is a devastating loss for the boxing community. While we await official autopsy results to confirm the exact cause of death, this tragedy must serve as a turning point for Ghanaian boxing authorities.

It is time to prioritize fighter safety and implement the necessary reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.

The government, the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), promoters, trainers, and medical professionals must ensure that when a boxer steps into the ring, he does so with the highest level of medical clearance and safety assurance possible.

Government’s Role in Ensuring Boxer Safety

Boxing has been a source of national pride in Ghana, producing world champions and boosting the country’s sporting reputation. However, without proper medical infrastructure and trained sports doctors, the sport remains a ticking time bomb. Given that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration built the Bukom Boxing Arena, Ghana’s first modern boxing venue, it is imperative that his government now prioritizes fighter safety.

Key Recommendations for Reform

1. Training and Specialization of Sports Doctors
   • The government should sponsor three to five doctors to specialize in sports medicine, with a focus on boxing-related injuries.
   • These specialists should be trained in handling head trauma, concussions, and cardiac-related emergencies during boxing matches.
2. Establishment of a Dedicated Sports Medicine Unit
   • A specialized unit within the Greater Accra Regional Hospital or UGMC should be designated to conduct thorough medical screening for all professional boxers.
3. Mandatory Advanced Medical Screening Before Fights
   • Comprehensive health checks, including brain scans, cardiac tests, and drug screenings, must be strictly enforced before every professional fight.
4. Improved Ringside Medical Preparedness
   • Certified ringside doctors with expertise in combat sports should be present at all sanctioned boxing events.
   • Emergency medical teams should be well-equipped with defibrillators, oxygen tanks, and resuscitation tools.
5. Stronger Regulation of Matchmaking and Fighter Selection
   • Fighters with questionable medical conditions or poor fight records should not be cleared to fight until they undergo further evaluation.
   • Promoters and matchmakers should prioritize fighter safety over profit.

This should not be just another tragedy, it should be a wake-up call for action.

Standard Rules and Procedures for Assessing the Medical Condition of Boxers Leading up to a Match

Boxing commissions and governing bodies, such as the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organization (WBO), and National Boxing Commissions, have strict medical assessment protocols to ensure the safety of fighters before a bout.

The medical evaluation process begins before the contract is signed and continues throughout the training period until fight night. Here’s a breakdown of the key medical assessments and procedures required for a boxing match.

1. Pre-Contract Medical Evaluations (Before Signing the Fight Contract)

A. Physical Examination
B. Neurological and Brain Imaging Tests
C. Blood Tests
D. Eye Examination
E. Cardiac and Respiratory Tests
F. Concussion and Neurological History Review
G. Drug Testing

2. During the Contract Period (Training Camp & Pre-Fight Medicals)

A. Regular Check-Ups & Training Camp Monitoring
B. Weight Management & Hydration Testing
C. Additional Medical Tests (4–6 Weeks Before Fight Night)
D. Final Pre-Fight Physical Examination (1 Week Before the Fight)

3. Fight Week and Fight Night Medical Procedures

A. Final Weigh-In Medical Check (24–48 Hours Before Fight Night)
B. Ringside Medical Evaluation (Fight Night)
C. Post-Fight Medical Examination
D. Medical Suspension and Recovery Period

In conclusion, completing all required medical tests before, during, and after a fight is vital to safeguarding a boxer’s health, prolonging their career, and maintaining their eligibility to compete. The medical assessment of boxers is a rigorous and ongoing process, spanning from the pre-contract stage to fight night. Governing bodies enforce these procedures to prevent serious injuries, long-term health risks, and fatalities in the sport.

Budget and Logistics for Medical Assessments in Professional Boxing

The cost and logistics of medical assessments in professional boxing depend on several factors, including the governing body, location, the level of the fight (local or international), and the boxer’s medical history. A comprehensive breakdown of the budget and logistical requirements for medical assessments leading up to a fight may seem overwhelming. However, for the sake of clarity and accuracy, it is essential to provide these details to set the record straight.

Budget Breakdown for Medical Assessments

Medical Assessment	Estimated Cost (USD)	Required Stage	Notes
Pre-Contract Physical Exam	$100 – $300	Before signing	General check-up by a licensed physician
Neurological Exam (CT/MRI)	$250 – $1,000	Before signing	Brain injury screening
Blood Tests	$50 – $150	Before signing	Mandatory for all boxers
Eye Examination	$75 – $200	Before signing	Retinal and vision test
ECG	$100 – $250	Before signing	Heart function check
Echocardiogram (if needed)	$250 – $500	Before signing	For heart health
Pulmonary Function Test	$50 – $200	Before signing	Lung capacity
Pre-Fight Physical Exam	$100 – $250	7–10 days before the fight	Mandatory clearance
Hydration & Weight Management Tests	$50 – $150	Fight week	Prevents dehydration
Final Fight Night Medical Check	$200 – $500	Fight night	Fitness to fight
Post-Fight Medical	$150 – $500	After the fight	Required after KO or injury
Medical Suspension Test (if needed)	$250 – $1,000	Upon suspension	Clearance to return

Total Estimated Budget per Boxer (Local Fight): $1,375 – $5,000+
Total Estimated Budget per Boxer (International Fight – Major Events): $5,000 – $15,000