The secretary-general of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin, has joined in mourning one of the country’s greatest pugilists ever, Obisia Nwakpa, who recently passed away.
Sports247 reports that Aboderin expressed deep emotions as he went down memory lane to recall some of the high points of Obisia’s career in the amateur and professional ranks.
He added that apart from showing his marvellous abilities in the roped square, Obisia also boosted the growth of other sporting events in Nigeria.
Aboderin eulogised the late icon further, saying: “Obisia Nwakpa, aka Golden Gloves, was actually a marvel to see in the ring. He was somebody who contributed his big quota to the development of sports, especially boxing in Nigeria … both in the amateur and professional cadres.
“After representing Nigeria at the amateur level, he fully turned pro and was able to fight to a point of almost becoming a world champion.”
Aboderin then recalled how Obisia, who later became Nigeria’s national boxing coach, came close to winning a world belt when he fought USA’s Saoul Mamby at Lagos National Stadium in Surulere, but narrowly lost the bout.
The NBB of C’s scribe recounted, “He lost just by majority decision to Saoul Mamby. If not for that narrow defeat, he would have been a world champion before his demise.”
Aboderin concluded by reeling out the contributions Obisia continued giving Nigerian boxing after his retirement from active outings in the ring, as he started training the national amateur team for major competitions.
“Obisia was a former coach of the Nigerian national team and led the country to several international meets; including the Commonwealth Games and Olympics.
“So, we have actually lost a gem in the boxing realm of Nigeria. We feel his loss, and we pray that his soul will rest in perfect peace,” Aboderin submitted
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