Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju has tragically died after collapsing during a fight in Ghana.

Olanrewaju, a light-heavyweight, had been up against John Mbangu (12-1-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-round contest at the Bukom Boxing Arena in the country's capital Accra.

In the third round, Olanrewaju stumbled and landed on the bottom rope after Mbangu connected with a shot that, reportedly, didn't appear to hurt the visiting fighter initially.

Once it became clear Olanrewaju was in serious distress, referee Richard Amevi called for urgent medical personnel to enter the ring.

Efforts were made to revive Olanrewaju but he was sadly pronounced dead shortly after his collapse.

“Oluwasegun was declared medically fit by the Nigeria Boxing Board Control with his certification as a professional boxer before the GBA sanctioned and approved the international contest," a statement from the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) read.

“Oluwasegun, a few seconds before the end of round three, stepped back during the fight and leaned on the ropes with his back without any punch whatsoever from his opponent.

"The referee, Richard Amevi, sensing danger, waved his hand for the end of the fight and immediately invited the ringside physician with the support of paramedics from the national ambulance service to attend to the boxer to help resuscitate him.

“The GBA President reported the incident to the Korle Bu Police Station. The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, was formally informed by the GBA President of the unfortunate incident.”

The general secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin told the BBC: "We are really devastated.

"[This] is not something we envisaged. We will live up to our responsibility and make sure that we stand [by] the family."