Nigerian boxing legend Obisia Nwankpa, ‘Golden Gloves’, has passed away at 75. A former Olympian, Commonwealth champion, and national coach, his remarkable career is being celebrated

Nigerian boxing icon, former champion, and national coach, Obisia Nwankpa, has sadly passed away. The news was made public on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, after his family confirmed his death on Tuesday.

Also read: Tragedy: Abia university student dies after collapsing during football match

Nwankpa, who was 75, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in Nigerian and international boxing.

The President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Dr Rafiu Ladipo, was among the first to pay tribute to the late legend, offering to assist the family in giving Nwankpa a befitting burial.

The late Nwankpa, famously nicknamed ‘Golden Gloves’ during his heyday, was born on May 19, 1950, in Lagos. His career was marked by success at both amateur and professional levels, cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s greatest boxers.

He proudly represented Nigeria at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany, competing in the light welterweight division. His amateur achievements include winning gold medals at the 1973 African Games in Lagos and the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Transitioning to professional boxing, Nwankpa continued his dominance. He became the Nigerian lightweight champion, the African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, and ultimately the Commonwealth lightweight champion.

At the peak of his professional career, he was the number one contender for the coveted World Boxing Council (WBC) light welterweight title, famously challenging American champion Saoul Mamby. Over his professional career, Nwankpa fought 29 times, securing an impressive 23 victories, including 16 by knockout, and suffering only six losses.

Beyond the ring, Nwankpa later became a highly successful boxing coach, guiding the Nigerian national team to two Olympic Games – Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008  further solidifying his immense contribution to the sport. His passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian boxing.