Pro Boxer Dies After Mid-Fight Collapse

The boxing world is mourning the loss of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, a Nigerian pro boxer who died over the weekend in Ghana.

Olanrewaju squared off with Ghana's Jon Mbangu on Saturday in a light heavyweight match sanctioned by the Ghana Boxing Authority. Olanrewaju entered the eight-round bout with a 13-8 record while his opponent touted a 12-1 record.

But tragedy unfolded in the third round. It wasn't immediate, as Olanrewaju looked light on his feet while ducking Mbangu's left hook. After taking a jab and a cross to the head that didn't seem consequential, Olanrewaju countered with two uppercuts. Then, out of nowhere, Olanrewaju briefly rocked back and forth before falling backward and landing on the ropes before collapsing.

Related: Boxing World Champion Makes Stunning Health Admission

A graphic video posted on social media showed the jarring aftermath. As Olanrewaju lay with his head and left arm hanging on the ropes, the referee starts his 10-count. The referee counts to four before realizing Olanrewaju is in serious danger. Medics rush to the ring to help the motionless boxer.

According to multiple reports, Olanrewaju was transported to a local hospital but tragically died some 30 minutes later. Reports also say Olanrewaju was medically fit and approved to fight.

But in a statement released by the World Boxing Organization, it appears that the pro boxing sanctioning organization questions how Olanrewaju got cleared.

"The WBO Family is deeply saddened by the passing of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju," the statement read. "This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for rigorous testing protocols to ensure the health and safety of our fighters."