Golden Gloves: What you need to know about the former Nigerian and African lightweight champion
Legendary Nigerian pugilist and coach Obisia Nwakpa has passed away at the age of 75, after battling health issues and dementia.
The former Nigerian and African lightweight champion died on Tuesday
, June 3, with his body said to have been moved to the mortuary ahead of funeral arrangements.
A member of his family had confirmed in an interview with Fight Gist Media on September 26, 2024, that Nwakpa had been facing several health challenges, including suffering from dementia and it was clear that the former Commonwealth Games champion’s condition had significantly deteriorated and he was confined to a wheelchair.
He was also unable to speak due to his condition, while his daughter had to speak on his behalf.
Nwakpa, fondly known as “Golden Gloves,” was born in Lagos, Nigeria’s former capital on May 19, 1950.
His illustrious career as a professional boxer, spanned across the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
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He flew Nigeria’s flag in the boxing event at the 1972 Olympic Games in Germany and at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos, where he competed in the light-welterweight category and won a gold medal.
He also claimed the gold medal at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, and featured in several amateur competitions.
He dominated the domestic scene, where he was the Nigerian national lightweight champion. He also claimed the African Boxing Union lightweight championship belt, and was Commonwealth champion in the lightweight category.
He was ranked as the number one contender for the World Boxing Council light-welterweight title.
After hanging up his gloves, Nwakpa served as head coach of the Nigerian boxing team and led them to the 2004 Summer Olympic in Athens, Greece and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
Credit: PUNCH
