NaijNaira
Nigerian boxing has lost one of its most iconic figures as Obisia Nwankpa, famously known as “Golden Gloves,” died on Tuesday, June 3, at the age of 75.
According to reports, the revered athlete and coach passed away in the early hours of the day, closing the chapter on a legacy that shaped generations of fighters and sports fans alike.
Rafiu Ladipo, president of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), described the passing as a tremendous blow to the boxing community. “This is another big blow for us… Obisia deserves to be immortalised in this country because he gave his all to boxing,” he said.
Nwankpa’s body has been taken to a mortuary as the family awaits to announce funeral details. Ladipo confirmed the NBB of C is prepared to support the family once contacted. “The family has not gotten across to us, but if they get across to us, we will do what is expected of us,” he added.
A Painful Year for Nigerian Sports
Obisia Nwankpa’s death adds to a year of sorrow in Nigerian sports, with other major losses including football legend Christian Chukwu and rising boxing star Segun Olarenwaju, who died during a fight in Ghana.
A Storied Career in and Out of the Ring
Born on May 19, 1955, in Lagos, Obisia Nwankpa rose from humble beginnings to become a household name. He represented Nigeria in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, competing in the light-welterweight division. Though he lost to Puerto Rico’s Laudiel Negron in his opening match, the defeat was only the start of a long and accomplished boxing journey.
The Golden Gloves boxer went on to win gold at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and again at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in New Zealand. He held the titles of Nigerian Lightweight Champion, African Boxing Union Lightweight Champion, and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion.
Nwankpa’s professional record included 29 bouts, 23 wins—16 by knockout—and just six losses. At his peak, he became the top contender for the WBC Light-Welterweight Title, challenging American champion Saoul Mamby.
Coaching and Mentoring the Next Generation
After retiring from professional boxing, Obisia Nwankpa continued serving the sport. He became Head Coach of the Nigerian Boxing Team, leading squads to the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Under his guidance, several athletes developed into top-tier contenders.
Final Public Appearance and Health Battle
In his final years, Nwankpa suffered from dementia and related health issues. In September 2024, he made a rare public appearance at the National Gym in Surulere, Lagos, accompanied by family. According to a report by Fight Gist Media, his daughter revealed during that visit that her father could no longer speak or recognise faces due to severe memory loss.
His passing ends a remarkable life filled with achievement, influence, and dedication to Nigerian boxing.
