Former British and CommonwealthLight heavyweight champion Peter Oboh has called on the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control to rescind its decision to demand for compensation from the Ghana Boxing Authority over the death of former National and West African Light heavyweight champion Olanrewaju Oluwasegun.
Segun slumped and died in the ring while fighting against Ghanas John Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29 and the NBB of C has made a written demand for compensation from GBA for the family of the fallen boxer. Scribe of the NBB of C Remi Aboderin made it clear that their demand was not because Segun died in Ghana but because of the circumstances surrounding his death.
We know that in Boxing, like every other sport, has its risks. We would not have asked Ghana for anything because it is one of the hazards of the profession. We are asking for compensation because Ghana Boxing Authority did not follow laid down rules. In the weighing-in Segun was overweight, they ignored that. NBB of Cs approval was for a fight for 28th and not 29th of March. Another aspect the Ghana boxing body ignored was the boxers state of health. Before a fight a boxer must go through all manner of tests and certified fit before he is thrown into the ring. That they did not do. Perhaps, his death could have been prevented if this was done, That is why we are holding them responsible for his death.
While expressing his sympathy with the family of the late boxer and the NBB of C, Oboh advised the Nigerian boxing body not to press further on their demand for compensation. Instead, he said the NBB of C should initiate another way of comforting late Seguns widow. I expect the NBB of C to drop the idea of seeking compensation from Ghana and start a fund raiser to comfort the widow. I am ready to contribute to that cause, he said.
He defended his position thus: Ghana and Nigeria are one. If the NBB of C continues with the matter it is going to have a multiplier effect on Nigerias sporting relations with Ghana, he said.