Nigerian boxing legend Obisia Nwankpa is dead
Nigerian boxing legend Obisia Nwankpa, popularly called ‘Gloden Gloves”, has been reported dead in the early hours of Tuesday, June, 3, 2025 at the age of 75, the death described as another major loss for Nigerian sports.
Penpushing reports that President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C,) Rafiu Ladipo speaking on the demise of the iconic boxer and former national coach said he deserve a place in the country’s Sports Hall of Fame.
The board President added that Nwankpa’s death is another big loss to the Boxing fraternity in Nigeria and beyond, and deserves to be immortalised in Nigeria because he gave his all to boxing
Penpushing further reports that as at the time of filing this report sources disclosed that the remains had been moved to a mortuary pending when details on funeral arrangements will be disclosed,
‘This is another big blow for us… Obisia deserves to be immortalised in this country because he gave his all to boxing. The family has not gotten across to us, but if they get across to us, we will do what is expected of us”, Ladipo stated
Penpushing also reports that he assured that the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C,) will be glad to work with the family and offer support in the best way possible.
The deceased was born on May 19,1955, in Lagos, while his impact on Nigerian boxing spanned over four decades, from his days as a fierce competitor in the ring to his role as a dedicated national coach remains indelible.
Penpushing reports that Nwankpa represented Nigeria at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, competing in the light-welterweight division, though he lost his opening bout to Puerto Rico’s Laudiel Negron, his international career was only beginning.
The late boxer quickly rose to prominence at home and abroad, having clinched gold medals at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, both in the light-welterweight category.
Penpushing further reports that his professional career was equally distinguished: he became the Nigerian Lightweight Champion, African Boxing Union (ABU) Lightweight Champion, and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion.
The record has it that at his peak, he was the number one contender for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Light-Welterweight Title, challenging American champion Saoul Mamby, and also in his professional career, he fought in 29 bouts, winning 23, including 16 by knockout, and losing 6.
Penpushing also reports that following his retirement from the ring, Nwankpa transitioned into coaching, serving as the Head Coach of the Nigerian Boxing Team, and led the team to two Olympic Games — Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 — and mentored a generation of Nigerian boxers.
The deceased in his final years, faced a quiet but difficult battle with dementia and other health issues, and in September 2024, he made a rare public appearance at the National Gym in Surulere, Lagos, accompanied by his wife and children.
Penpushing reports that during that visit, covered by Fight Gist Media, his daughter spoke on his behalf, revealing that the once-vibrant champion was no longer able to speak or recognise familiar faces due to severe memory loss.
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