The Sports and Recreation Minister,Kofi Adams, has announced plans to set up a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.

Olanrewaju, a former West African light heavyweight champion, tragically passed away after an abrupt stoppage in the third round of his fight against Ghana’s Jonathan Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday.

Speaking to Accra-based Sporty FM, Minister Adams confirmed that the investigation was in its early stages. He assured the public that no aspect of the incident would be overlooked. “We need to institute a committee to look into what happened. I assure everyone that nothing will be covered up. We will ask all the necessary questions,” he said.

Adams expressed hope that both the Nigerian and Ghanaian boxing authorities would cooperate with the investigation.

In the aftermath of the incident, both the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) and the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) have defended their actions. The GBA, on Monday, distanced itself from allegations of negligence, stating that Olanrewaju had been declared medically fit by the NBBC before the fight was sanctioned.

However, the NBBC has accused the GBA of making a critical error in the handling of the event. Oluremi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the NBBC, claimed that Olanrewaju had initially declined to fight due to a dispute over payment. The boxer and his trainer had already returned to their hotel, preparing to leave for Nigeria the following day. But after a late agreement on the purse, Olanrewaju was brought back to the arena for the fight.

Aboderin also pointed out a potential violation of boxing regulations, stating that the GBA allowed Olanrewaju to fight on Saturday, despite the rules stipulating that boxers should weigh in on Thursday and fight the following day, not two days later.

Minister Adams promised that these concerns would be thoroughly addressed once the investigation is complete.

Source:TheDotNews