Nigerian boxing icon Obisia Nwankpa, widely known as “Golden Gloves,” has passed away at the age of 75.
He died in the early hours of Tuesday, June 3, 2025, marking another significant loss for Nigerian sports this year.
Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), confirmed Nwankpa’s death, calling it a major blow to the nation’s boxing community and urging that his legacy be preserved.
“This is another big blow for us… Obisia deserves to be immortalised in this country because he gave his all to boxing,” Ladipo told PREMIUM TIMES.
Nwankpa’s remains have been moved to a mortuary, and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Ladipo stated that the NBB of C is ready to support the family during this period of mourning.
Nwankpa’s death follows other notable losses in Nigerian sports this year, including football legend Christian Chukwu and rising boxer Segun Olarenwaju.
Born on May 19, 1950, in Lagos, Obisia Nwankpa’s boxing career spanned over four decades. He represented Nigeria at the 1972 Munich Olympics in the light-welterweight division and quickly became a dominant force on the continental and international stages.
He secured gold medals at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.
As a professional, he held multiple titles, including Nigerian Lightweight Champion, African Boxing Union Lightweight Champion, and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion.
He also challenged for the WBC Light-Welterweight title against Saoul Mamby of the United States. Nwankpa’s professional record boasts 23 wins (16 by knockout) and 6 losses from 29 bouts.
After retiring from the ring, Nwankpa continued to contribute to the sport as a coach.
He led Nigeria’s boxing team at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and mentored numerous young boxers.
In his final years, Nwankpa battled dementia and other health challenges.
A rare public appearance in September 2024 at the National Gym in Surulere, Lagos, highlighted the severity of his condition, as his daughter told Fight Gist Media that he was no longer able to speak or recognize loved ones.
Obisia Nwankpa’s life and career left an enduring impact on Nigerian boxing, both as a fighter and a mentor.
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