Legendary Nigerian boxer and coach Obisia Nwakpa has passed away at the age of 75 after a prolonged battle with health complications, including dementia.
The former Nigerian and African lightweight champion died on Tuesday, June 3. His body has since been moved to a mortuary as preparations begin for his funeral.
Back in September 2024, a family member revealed to Fight Gist Media that Nwakpa had been struggling with multiple health issues, most notably dementia. His condition had worsened significantly—he was confined to a wheelchair and had lost the ability to speak, with his daughter often speaking on his behalf.
Fondly known as “Golden Gloves,” Obisia Nwakpa was born on May 19, 1950, in Lagos, Nigeria’s former capital. His illustrious boxing career spanned the 1970s through the 1990s, earning him recognition both on the continent and internationally.
He proudly represented Nigeria at the 1972 Olympic Games in Germany and won a gold medal in the light-welterweight category at the 1973 All-Africa Games held in Lagos. Nwakpa also clinched gold at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, further solidifying his status as one of Africa’s boxing greats.
On the domestic front, Nwakpa held the Nigerian national lightweight title and went on to win the African Boxing Union lightweight championship. He was also a Commonwealth champion in the lightweight division and, at one point, was ranked as the number one contender for the World Boxing Council (WBC) light-welterweight title.
After retiring from active competition, Nwakpa dedicated himself to coaching, serving as head coach of Nigeria’s national boxing team. Under his leadership, the team competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, and the 2008 Games in Beijing, China.
His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigerian sports history, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and patriotic service.
