By Peter Quao Adattor
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.
Unfortunately, despite swift medical intervention, Aluwasegun could not be revived. 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, though this is yet to be officially confirmed. 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. The commentators, as well as many in the audience, were puzzled by this behaviour. 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, among others, 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. In my nearly four decades of following the sport of boxing, I have witnessed more than a few chilling moments when boxers have collapsed in the ring. Several fighters over the years 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. In February 2025, a lightweight boxer from Togo who frequently fights in Ghana was observed with 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.
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
- Training and Specialization of Sports Doctors
- The government should sponsor at least three Ghanaian 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.
- Establishment of a Dedicated Sports Medicine Unit
- A specialized health unit within the Greater Accra Regional Hospital or UGMC should be designated to conduct thorough medical screening for all professional boxers.
- This facility should also cater to fighters injured during bouts.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 turningpoint for Ghanaian boxing authorities. It is time to prioritize fighter safety and implement the necessary reforms to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
The government, the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), promoters, trainers, and medical professionals must work together to ensure that when a boxer steps into the ring, he does so with the highest level of medical clearance and safety assurance possible.
This should not be just another tragedy, it should be a wake-up call for action.
********In light of the issues raised and for the benefit of both readers and the general public, I would like to outline the standard rules and procedures for assessing the medical condition of boxers before a match, along with the associated financial implications.
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)
Before a fight contract is signed, a boxer must undergo seven comprehensive medical tests to confirm they are fit to compete.
A. Physical Examination; to be conducted by a licensed ringside physician or a commission-appointed medical doctor. These include blood pressure, heart rate, lung function, reflexes, vision, hearing, and overall physical condition.
B. Neurological and Brain Imaging Tests involving CT Scan or MRI Scan (to rule out any prior brain injuries, concussions, or abnormalities). Cognitive function tests to assess memory, reaction time, and mental sharpness.
C. Blood Tests (Mandatory for Most Sanctioning Bodies) to screen for infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis and other bloodborne diseases
D. Eye Examination conducted by an ophthalmologist to detect retinal damage or other vision issues. Boxers with detached retinas or previous eye injuries may be deemed unfit to fight.
E. Cardiac and Respiratory Tests involving Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to check heart function, Echocardiogram (in some cases) to detect abnormalities and Pulmonary function tests to ensure healthy lung capacity.
F. Concussion and Neurological History Review. This procedure is to evaluate and check the fighter’s history of knockouts (KOs), concussions, and brain injuries. If the boxer has suffered multiple KOs in a short period, they may be disqualified or placed on medical suspension.
G. Drug Testing: Pre-fight anti-doping tests are conducted under agencies like VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association), WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency), or local commissions. Boxers must test negative for banned substances, including steroids and stimulants.
If a boxer fails any of these medical tests, they will not be allowed to sign the fight contract.
2. During the Contract Period (Training Camp & Pre-Fight Medicals)
Once the contract is signed, the boxers must subject themselves to medical monitoring that continues throughout the training period of 8-12 weeks before the fight.
A.Regular Check-Ups & Training Camp Monitoring. The boxers are required to undergo monthly medical check-ups with their doctor or boxing commission physician. Any injuries (fractures, cuts, or bruises) must be reported and examined. If a boxer experiences excessive weight loss, dehydration, or extreme fatigue, the fight may be postponed.
B.Weight Management & Hydration Testing: The fighters must comply with safe weight-cutting regulations (hydration testing in some organizations like the IBF). Sudden drastic weight cuts can result in a fight cancellation due to dehydration risks.
C.Additional Medical Tests (4-6 Weeks Before Fight Night): The boxers must also subject themselves to repeated neurological tests (in some cases, if there’s a history of head trauma). There must also be follow-up blood tests (to ensure no infections have developed in addition to hormonal and cardiovascular health monitoring, if requested by the commission.
D.Final Pre-Fight Physical Examination (1 Week Before the Fight): This is conducted by the commission’s medical team. A doctor’s clearance is required to proceed to fight at night. If a boxer is found unfit (due to injury, illness, or abnormal test results), they will be medically disqualified.
3. Fight Week and Fight Night Medical Procedures
A.Final Weigh-In Medical Check (24-48 Hours Before Fight Night): The boxers undergo a pre-fight physical immediately after weigh-ins, where vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, hydration) are checked. This session is what is synonymous with every country, even in the remotest part of the world. If a boxer is severely dehydrated or physically weak after weight-cutting, they may be pulled from the fight.
B.Ringside Medical Evaluation (Fight Night, Before Entering the Ring): A ringside doctor conducts a final pre-fight medical assessment in the locker room to check for swelling, injuries, hydration levels, and mental alertness. Any last-minute concerns could result in the fight being cancelled.
C.Post-Fight Medical Examination (Immediately After the Fight): This is a mandatory check-up by the ringside doctor (even if no injuries are visible). If a boxer has suffered a knockout (KO) or severe head trauma, a CT scan or an MRI scan will be required. A suspension period (usually 30-90 days) is imposed before the fighter can compete again. As the explanation suggested, this is a critical procedure, but have you heard or witnessed it being conducted here in Ghana, even in major events?
D.Medical Suspension and Recovery Period: Boxers who suffer severe injuries (e.g., broken bones, deep cuts, or concussions) may be placed on medical suspension for a set period. They must pass additional medical tests before returning to the ring.
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 the 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 Scan) | $250 – $1,000 | Before signing | Required for brain injury screening |
| Blood Tests (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, etc.) | $50 – $150 | Before signing | Mandatory for all boxers |
| Eye Examination (Ophthalmologist) | $75 – $200 | Before signing | Retinal and vision test |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) | $100 – $250 | Before signing | Checks heart function |
| Echocardiogram (if needed) | $250 – $500 | Before signing | Required in some cases for heart health assessment |
| Pulmonary Function Test | $50 – $200 | Before signing | Checks lung capacity |
| Pre-Fight Physical Exam | $100 – $250 | 7-10 days before fight | Mandatory for clearance |
| Hydration and Weight Management Tests | $50 – $150 | Fight week | Prevents extreme dehydration |
| Final Fight Night Medical Check (Ringside Doctor Fee) | $200 – $500 | Fight night | Ringside physician ensures fitness to fight |
| Post-Fight Medical (Neurological/Concussion Test) | $150 – $500 | After the fight | Required after a KO or serious injury |
| Mandatory Medical Suspension Test (if needed) | $250 – $1,000 | If placed on suspension | Required before a boxer can return to fight |
Total Estimated Budget per Boxer
(Local Fight) $1,375 -$5,000+
Total Estimated Budget per Boxer
(International Fight-Major Events) $5,000 – $15,000
The cost of medical assessments for a professional boxer varies based on the fight level, location, and governing body regulations. While the outlined medical assessment budget may seem substantial, and beyond the immediate consideration of promoters, managers, the boxing authorities, and even Ghana as a state, it is essential to recognize that a boxer can only sustain a career and earn a living from the sport if they remain healthy and fit at all times.
It is therefore crucial to take pragmatic steps toward developing expertise and establishing a dedicated facility. This would ensure that the critical aspects of medical assessments are conducted at every stage as a national obligation, safeguarding and protecting boxers from unexpected mishaps and injuries.
****Peter Quao Adattor is a seasoned video journalist and a passionate boxing enthusiast. He captures and analyzes boxing events, producing insightful video content as a hobby. His thoughts on the recent tragic incident mark the first of a series of analytical episodes on boxing.****
