The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, has expressed his deepest condolences following the tragic passing of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing during a light heavyweight bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
In an official press release, the Minister, speaking on behalf of the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, extended sympathies to Olanrewaju’s family, friends, and the entire Nigerian boxing fraternity.
He acknowledged the devastating nature of the loss, emphasizing that the young athlete exhibited remarkable passion, talent, and courage in the ring.
“Gabriel’s untimely departure not only deprives boxing of an admirable competitor but also reminds us of the unpredictable nature of the sport we passionately love.”
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams,
The Minister acknowledged the inherent risks associated with the sport but reiterated the commitment of the Ghanaian government and boxing regulatory bodies to improving safety protocols.
Call for Thorough Investigation
As the boxing world mourns the loss, the Minister of Sports and Recreation assured that a full investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s passing.
According to him, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, in collaboration with the Ghana Boxing Authority, will provide full cooperation with medical experts and relevant stakeholders to uncover the exact cause of death.
While awaiting the official medical report, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of safety measures during boxing events, including medical preparedness, referee intervention, and post-fight medical evaluations.
Ghanaian and Nigerian sports officials are expected to engage in further discussions to ensure that such tragic incidents are minimized in the future.
The close sporting ties between Ghana and Nigeria have been evident in multiple disciplines, particularly in boxing, where athletes from both nations have historically competed at high levels.
Olanrewaju’s death has further strengthened the bond of solidarity between the two nations, as Ghanaian sports authorities work closely with their Nigerian counterparts to offer support to the late boxer’s family and team.
Hon. Adams reassured the Nigerian boxing community of Ghana’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of all athletes who compete on Ghanaian soil.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Gabriel’s family, his fellow athletes, and all affected by this tragedy. May we all find solace during this difficult period and continue to work together to safeguard the well-being of athletes across the continent”.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams,
The unfortunate incident occurred during an international light-heavyweight contest between Gabriel Olanrewaju and Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
The eight-round bout, which was sanctioned by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), ended in tragedy, casting a shadow over the boxing community in both Ghana and Nigeria.
The untimely death of the Nigerian boxer has sent shockwaves across the global boxing community, with the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBC), the Ghana Boxing Authority, and sports stakeholders expressing deep sorrow.
Olanrewaju was regarded as a rising star in the sport, with a promising future ahead of him. His passing has reignited discussions on the safety of boxing and the measures in place to protect athletes.
The tragic loss of Gabriel Olanrewaju is a painful reminder of the risks involved in combat sports. While boxing is a sport celebrated for its discipline and skill, safety concerns continue to be an area of critical importance.
Experts have called for stronger enforcement of pre-fight medical assessments, improved emergency response systems, and better post-fight monitoring for boxers.
The incident has reignited calls for African boxing commissions to standardize regulations across the continent, ensuring that fighters receive the best possible protection in and out of the ring.
While the world of boxing mourns the loss of one of its own, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the Ghana Boxing Authority, and the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control are expected to work together to ensure that Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju’s passing is thoroughly examined and that necessary reforms are implemented to prevent future tragedies.
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