It was a sad weekend in Ibadan as one of Oyo State’s promising boxers, Friday Obasi, died in the ring during a training session with his sparring partner.
Obasi was aged 28.
The incident happened at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan on Saturday afternoon.
Obasi who never gave any sign of ill-health prior to the training session on that faithful day fell after receiving a punch from his sparring partner and hit his head on bare floor.
He collapsed when he could not get prompt medical attention as the clinic inside the stadium was yet to open for operation. As at 11:am the athlete was rushed there after he sustained a deep cut on his head.
Obasi gave-up the ghost few minutes later before he could reach the Adeoyo State Hospital, Ring-Road, where his corpse was subsequently deposited.
The General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, Folake Oyelakin, who confirmed the sad incident said the management would visit the deceased family to console them and start planning a befitting burial for the late boxer.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Boxing Association, Baron Akintunde Opaleye while reacting on the sad event also expressed his grief over the death of the promising heavyweight boxer who was described by his team-mates as a hustler, who hawked in the traffic to make ends meet after his boxing training everyday.
He however, promised of taking measure in ensuring a good and saver condition of environment for their boxers, saying athletes’ welfare is of paramount interest on the programmes of the association.
Baron added that the association will delegate people to meet with his family and fashion out how to give him a nice burial while praying God to give his family fortitude to bear the loss.
