The death of Nigerian boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju in a light heavyweight bout in Accra recently was unfortunate. Unfortunate not only because a life was lost but also because of some developments pre and post the bout.
The boxer collapsed in the ring and could not make it despite revival efforts. Condolences to the family have been expressed by the people who matter in the sport in Ghana, Nigeria, and the world over. However, the stone silence of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) on matters that border on the integrity of the sport raises eyebrows.
"We're not at war with the GBA" said the General Secretary of Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin in an interview with Accra-based Sporty FM last Friday. "But we're only saying that the rules were not followed. So, the GBA must be held accountable for allowing such [a thing to] to happen" he added.
"No medical was done by the GBA to check his vitals. Even the other Nigerian boxer who fought on the same night did not do any medical. The GBA erred there too” Remi argued. He insisted that, "The GBA erred from the start of the bout. The boxer weighed more than the normal weight required. He should not have competed".
In the same interview, Remi interestingly applauded Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams for being “thorough” in his handling of the matter and for “not making anyone feel unfairly treated.” That is positive. It is a plus for the minister.
But why are the Nigerians praising our Sports Minister yet they seem aggrieved by the alleged misconduct of the GBA? What is the GBA's response to the allegation of medical negligence? Why is the GBA quiet? Nigerian’s boxing authority blames our boxing body in a matter like this and silence treatment is the GBA’s response? The GBA can and must do better. Silence in this matter is damaging, not golden.