An autopsy conducted on former Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju Segun, popularly known as ‘Success’, has confirmed that he died from sudden cardiac arrest during a boxing match in Ghana last Saturday.
According to Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and President of the West African Boxing Union, preliminary autopsy findings point to cardiac arrest as the cause of death. However, additional investigations into his heart condition are underway, delaying the repatriation of his body to Nigeria.
“The preliminary post-mortem results indicate that Segun died from sudden cardiac arrest,” Aboderin stated. “Further investigation into his heart condition is required, and therefore, his body will not be released for burial in Nigeria until approximately two weeks.”
The autopsy was carried out on Wednesday, April 2, following a court order initiated in response to his sudden death.
The 40-year-old collapsed mid-fight during his bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
Despite leading on points in the eight-round light-heavyweight contest, Segun collapsed in the ring. Medical personnel at the Bukom Boxing Arena responded immediately, removing his gum shield and attempting resuscitation before he was transported to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, where he was later pronounced dead.
Olanrewaju Segun was a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion. Since his professional debut in 2019, he had participated in 24 fights, securing 13 wins (12 by knockout), nine losses, and two draws.
