Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, an Imo State boxer who was competing in the National Sports Festival taking place in Asaba, Delta State, was killed in the ring during a match.
A knockout loss to Anambra’s Prince Gaby Amagor in the 86kg division caused the Imo-born Igboanugo to pass away.
The referee declared the fight in favor of Amagor after hitting Igboanugo in the chin and the latter’s refusal to stand up.
Igboanugo was lifted out of the mat for medical attention, and he was then taken to the hospital, but amid the Anambra man’s victory, the crowd noticed that he had failed to rise from the mat.
“It happened yesterday (Monday). I didn’t even know what was happening, we just saw that he didn’t get up.
“He was immediately taken out of the ring for medical treatment before being rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” a boxer from Lagos State told our correspondent.
