The tragic passing of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju has left his last opponent, Jonathan Mbunagu, in deep emotional distress, raising concerns that the young fighter might retire from the sport.
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| Boxer Jonathan Mbunagu Considers Retirement After Opponent’s Tragic Death |
Olanrewaju tragically lost his life on Sunday, March 31, shortly after his bout against Mbunagu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana. The incident has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, particularly affecting Mbunagu, 22, who is struggling to come to terms with his opponent’s death.
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Mbunagu’s Emotional Breakdown
According to his manager, Gordon, also known as Osebor, Mbunagu has been traumatized since learning that Olanrewaju passed away just 30 minutes after being rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
🗣 “I was in the ambulance with Gabriel and saw him alive with my own eyes,” Gordon shared. “I even prayed for him at the hospital, only to be told half an hour later that he had passed away.”
The devastating news has affected not only Mbunagu but also his mother, who has urged her son to quit boxing altogether.
🗣 “His mother has been crying ever since the news broke. She is insisting that he should leave boxing forever,” Osebor revealed in an interview with Sporty FM.
Will Mbunagu Quit Boxing?
Mbunagu’s manager is working with psychological experts to help the boxer process the trauma and avoid making a hasty decision about retirement.
🗣 “I have brought in experts to counsel Mbunagu because he is really struggling. He has great potential, and we wouldn’t want him to give up on his career too soon.”
However, Osebor admits that should the young boxer decide to retire, his transition to a new career could be challenging.
🗣 “If he quits boxing now, it will be difficult for him to find another profession. Boxing is all he has known, and at his age, he would have to start over, which is not easy.”
Autopsy Report Expected Today
In an effort to determine the cause of Olanrewaju’s death, an autopsy was conducted on April 3, with findings expected by midday today. The results could bring some closure to the boxing community and the grieving family.
Meanwhile, Osebor has called on boxing authorities to prioritize fighter safety and improve medical protocols before, during, and after matches.
🗣 “This is a wake-up call. We need better monitoring of boxers' health and immediate medical attention when needed. We cannot keep losing young talents in this manner.”
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Boxing Deaths on the Rise
The incident has sparked renewed concern about safety in boxing, with reports indicating that at least six boxers worldwide have died due to injuries sustained in the ring since February 2024, according to CBS Sports.
As the boxing world mourns the tragic loss of Gabriel Olanrewaju, all eyes remain on Jonathan Mbunagu’s next move—whether he will return to the ring or walk away from the sport forever.
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