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Obisia Nwankpa, Nigerian Boxing Icon and Former National Coach, Dies at 75

Posted : 05 June 2025

Nigeria's sporting community mourns the death of Obisia Nwankpa, the legendary boxer and former national coach fondly known as "Golden Gloves." He passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on May 19, 1950, in Lagos, Nwankpa rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as one of Nigeria's most accomplished boxers. His professional career boasted 23 wins out of 29 bouts, including 16 knockouts. 

He held multiple titles, including the Nigerian lightweight title, the African Boxing Union light welterweight title, and the Commonwealth lightweight title. In 1981, he challenged Saoul Mamby for the World Boxing Council (WBC) light welterweight title in Lagos, narrowly losing by split decision. 

Nwankpa also represented Nigeria at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, competing in the men's light welterweight event.  He secured gold medals at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand. 

After retiring from active competition, Nwankpa dedicated himself to coaching, serving as Nigeria's national boxing coach. He was instrumental in nurturing a new generation of boxers and was a vocal advocate for the development of the sport in the country.

In 2014, he expressed concerns about the state of Nigerian boxing, emphasizing the need for experienced coaching and better administrative support. 

In a significant turn in his life, Nwankpa was ordained as a bishop in the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star in 2022, reflecting his deep commitment to spiritual service.

Nwankpa's death adds to a series of losses in Nigerian sports this year, casting a shadow over the nation's athletic community. 

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