A veteran Nigerian boxer and boxing coach, Obisia Nwankpa, has died, aged 75.
The celebrated boxer popularly known as “Golden Gloves,” reportedly passed away in the early hours of Tuesday.
Apart from being a Nigerian Lightweight boxing champion, Nwapa also held the title at the Commonwealth level.
His demise was confirmed by the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Rafiu Ladipo, who described Nwankpa’s death as a blow to the nation’s boxing community.
Ladipo called for the preservation of the boxer’s legacy.
“This is another big blow for us… Obisia deserves to be immortalised in this country because he gave his all to boxing,” Ladipo said.
According to the report, the late boxer’s remains have since been moved to a mortuary.
While arrangements for his funeral are yet to be announced, the NBB of C expressed willingness to support the family.
“The family has not gotten across to us, but if they get across to us, we will do what is expected of us,” he said.
Born on the 19th May 1950 in Lagos, the late Nwankpa represented Nigeria at the 1972 Munich Olympics in the light-welterweight division which saw him rise to fame, becoming a dominant figure on the continental and international stage.
He won gold at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.
His professional career also earned him titles including Nigerian Lightweight Champion, African Boxing Union Lightweight Champion, and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion.
Nwapa also contended for the World Boxing Championship (WBC) Light-Welterweight title against Saoul Mamby of the United States.
He fought a total of 29 professional bouts, winning 23- 16 by knockout, and losing six.
Following his retirement, the legendary boxer became a coach, leading Nigeria’s boxing team to the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and mentoring numerous young boxers.
