It was a catastrophic end for an Imo-born boxer identified as Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, as he reportedly died at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State.
Igboanugo was declared dead after losing a fight by knockout to his contender from Anambra in the 86kg category.
The boxer was hit in the chin during the fight and failed to get up, leading the referee to announce the fight in favour of his Anambra contender, an eyewitness accounts revealed.
With the boxer remaining unconscious, he was said to have been given first aid treatment before being taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Boxing Federation nor the Delta State Government has reacted to the news of his death.