Nigeria ‘Golden Boxer’ Obisia Nwankpa, Passes Away After Battling Dementia

LAGOS JUNE 5TH (NEWSRANGERS)-Obisia Nwankpa, the legendary Nigerian boxer, has died at the age of 75.

Rafiu Ladipo, president of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), confirmed the iconic boxer’s death to TheCable on Thursday.

Nwankpa passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, a few months after it was revealed that he had been battling dementia and memory loss.

Ladipo said the late boxer “gave his all” for Nigeria during his boxing career. He added that the NBB of C will be working with the bereaved family to ensure a befitting burial is given to the Nwankpa.

Ladipo added that the commission will ensure that the legendary pugilist is properly immortalised.

Nwankpa was one of the prominent stars during the Nigerian boxing golden age in the 1970s and 1980s.

He won the Nigerian light welterweight title in 1972 after defeating Anthony Andeh, another  great boxer. Nwankpa clinched gold medals in the light welterweight category at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

He also won the African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight championship title and was Commonwealth champion in the same category.

In 1981, Nwankpa challenged Saoul Mamby of the US for the World Boxing Council (WBC) light-welterweight title. The American fighter defeated him via split decision.

Nwankpa hung up his gloves in 1991 and became a coach, leading the Nigerian boxing team to a couple of Olympics.

TheCable

For media advert placement, events coverage, media consultancy, placement of publications and further inquiries please WhatsApp 2348023773039 or email: labakevwe@yahoo.cpm

Please follow and like us:
Pin Share

MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION TO SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS:

Short URL: https://newsrangers.com/?p=136285

Posted by on Jun 5 2025. Filed under National, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Leave a Reply

Photo Gallery

Designed by News Rangers ICT Department
RSS
Follow by Email
YouTube
LinkedIn
Share
Instagram
Telegram