Organisers of the GOtv Boxing Night, Flykite Productions and former World Heavyweight Wrestling champion, Osita Offor also known as De Ultimate Commander, have joined Nigerians in mourning former Commonwealth boxing champion, Obisia Nwankpa, who died on Wednesday, aged 75.
Nwankpa, who was one of Nigeria’s biggest boxing exports in the 1970s and 1980s, came agonizingly close to winning the World Boxing Council (WBC) Welterweight title in 1981 when a combination of weight issues contributed to his defeat by Saoul Mamby of the United States at the National Stadium, Lagos.
In a statement yesterday, Flykite Productions expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Nigerian boxing legend, describing the former African and Commonwealth boxing champion as a towering figure in Nigerian sports whose legacy transcended the ring.
“Obisia Nwakpa was more than a champion; he was an inspiration to generations of Nigerian boxers and sports enthusiasts,” the statement read. “His contributions to the development of boxing in Nigeria remain indelible. We beseech the Almighty to comfort his family”
Flykite noted that Nwakpa’s unwavering support for grassroots boxing initiatives played a pivotal role in the success of GOtv Boxing Night and GOtv Boxing NextGen Search. He was a talent judge and coach at the latter.
“He believed in the future of Nigerian boxing and worked tirelessly to ensure young fighters had a platform to shine. He great man whose passion for the sport was matched only by his humility and integrity,” the statement added.
Also commiserating with the late boxer’s family, Ultimate Commander said Obisia Nwankpa died when the country’s boxing was in need of heroes. The former world champion, who described Nwankpa as the father of many prized fighters, who trained at the National Stadium, Lagos, in the 1990s and the early 2000s, said the former soldier contributed to his success in wrestling.
“Obisia Nwankpa preached discipline and taught some of us how to keep our body healthy for the tough battles in the ring.
“Although some people did not like his style, Obisia, to us the younger ones, was a hero, whose light shone for everybody. He will be highly missed by all of us who grew up at the National Stadium,” Ultimate Commander said.
Fondly called “Golden Gloves,” Nwankpa was a trailblazer in Nigerian boxing. He represented Nigeria at the 1972 Olympic Games and went on to win numerous international titles during a stellar professional career. Following his retirement, he became a coach and administrator, nurturing young talents and championing the sport’s revival in Nigeria.
