Risks in the Ring: List of Nigerian boxers who died during boxing contests
The sad passing of legendary Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju over the weekend in Ghana has resurrected memories of some unfortunate tournaments that led to the deaths of Nigerian boxers at various stages of history.
It could be recalled that Olanrewaju died while fighting in Ghana, revealing the risks embedded in boxing as a sport, which in other climes, is a short route to wealth. Every time a boxer steps into the ring, his life is often at risk.
The boxing rings have recorded a lot of casualties. An estimated 1,604 boxers are believed to have died as a result of injuries sustained in the ring.
READ ALSO: Late Nigerian boxer insisted on fighting because of mounting debts – Official
Similarly, some of Nigeria’s best boxers have succumbed to such risks in the ring.
1. Homicide Ilori (vs Eddie Phillips, 26 June 1953)
On 26 June 1953, in a lightweight boxing contest between Homicide Ilori and Eddie Philips in Lagos, Ilori was knocked down in the fourth of an eight-round fight.
He was aided out of the ring with some assistance and later complained of feeling “exhausted.”
He was taken to Lagos General Hospital by Jack Farnsworth, secretary of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, where he died of his injuries at 3:30 am.
This made the front page of Lagos newspapers, including a picture of a knocked-out and dazed Ilori on the canvas with the headline “The Last Punch.”
Another newspaper in Australia, Daily Mirror in Sydney reported that Ilori was the third boxer to die in Lagos in the previous 18 months. Eddie Phillips, the boxer who knocked out Ilori, who was only 19 at the time, decided to retire, stating, ‘I will never wear the gloves again in my life.’ He would eventually return to the ring and fight again.
2. Asimi Mustapha a.k.a Young Ali (vs Barry McGuigan, 14 June 1982)
A Nigerian boxer, Asimi Mustapha, whose ring name was ‘Young Ali’ fought an Irishman, Barry McGuigan, who knocked him down in the sixth round. He fell into a coma in London after being stretchered out of the ring.
He was placed on a life support machine but would later pass away at his home, being survived by his then-pregnant wife.
3. Nojim Gbadegesin (vs Kelvin Onwudiwe, 28 September 1991)
Nojim Gbadegesin, a Nigerian flyweight boxer, died after suffering a brain injury in his second professional fight. The 27-year-old customs worker, went into a coma after he was knocked down by fellow Nigerian Kelvin Onwudiwe in the sixth round. He died in a hospital in Lagos.
4. Chukwuemeka Igboanugo (with Prince Gaby Amagor, 6 December 2022)
At the National Sports Festival in Asaba, Chukwuemekka Igboanugo of Imo State received a punch in the chin in the bout with Prince Gaby Amagor of Anambra State. He suffered a technical knockout.
After being knocked out, Igboanugo collapsed while attempting to leave the ring. He was immediately taken out of the ring for medical treatment before being rushed to the hospital. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead, with officials suggesting underlying health conditions may have contributed to his death.
5. Sherif Lawal (with Malam Varela, 12 May 2024)
London-based boxer Sherif Lawal died after he collapsed in the ring during his professional debut.
The 29-year-old was knocked down by Portuguese opponent Malam Varela in the fourth round of a middleweight bout at Harrow Leisure Centre.
Lawal received treatment from paramedics at the scene and was taken to hospital but later pronounced dead.
The British Boxing Board of Control said in a statement: “Condolences to the family of Sherif Lawal following his tragic passing.
“The thoughts of all those involved in boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”
6. Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju (with Jon Mbanugu, 30 March 2025)
Former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju died after collapsing during a boxing match in Ghana with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena.
Olanrewaju was a respected figure in Nigerian boxing. He previously held both National and West African light-heavyweight titles.
(Sports Village Square)
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