Nigerian boxing has lost one of its most iconic figures as Obisia Nwakpa, a celebrated former champion, passed away at the age of 75.
His death occurred on the morning of Tuesday, June 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness, and his remains have since been deposited in the mortuary.
Completesports reported that the passing of the boxing legend was confirmed by President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Rafiu Ladipo.
“This is another great loss to Nigeria and his death is something one did not expect now,” Ladipo said.
“Nwakpa was a Nigerian who gave his all to serve this country in the amateur and professional category, he also went further to coach the Nigerian national team.
“Obisia Nwakpa was an African champion, he was a Commonwealth champion and had a shot at the world title.
“He was illustrious and dedicated Nigerian who deserve to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Nigeria, whenever he fought we were always happy.”
Nwakpa’s contributions to Nigerian sports date back to the early 1970s. He represented the country in the light-welterweight division at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich and secured a gold medal at the 1973 All-Africa Games held in Lagos.
The following year, he made history by clinching another gold medal at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.
In his professional career, Nwakpa achieved multiple titles including the Nigerian National Lightweight Championship, the African Boxing Union (ABU) Lightweight Championship, and the Commonwealth Lightweight Championship.
At his peak, he was ranked the number one contender for the World Boxing Council Light-Welterweight title.
After hanging up his gloves, Nwakpa continued to serve Nigerian boxing as the head coach of the national team, leading them to the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
In a revealing encounter with Fight Gist Media on September 26, 2024, it was disclosed that the revered boxer had been battling dementia along with other health challenges.
At the time, he was confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak. His daughter, speaking on his behalf, shared that he suffered from severe memory loss and was no longer able to recognize people or recall past events.
Obisia Nwakpa’s legacy remains indelible in the annals of Nigerian sports, a warrior in the ring and a mentor outside of it.
