Nigerian boxing legend, Obisia Nwakpa, is dead.
He was aged 75.
He reportedly died in a protracted battle with some health issues, including dementia.
The former Nigerian and African lightweight champion died on Tuesday, June 3.
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 the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Nwankpa was a former Olympian, as well as an All-Africa Games and Commonwealth gold medallist.
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.
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