
A boxer, representing Imo State at the National Sports Festival in Asaba, has died after losing a fight by knockout in the 86 kg category.
The Imo State representative, identified as Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, was declared dead at a hospital, where he was taken to after the bout.
According to eyewitness accounts, 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 challenger.
While Igboanugo was unconscious, he was said to have been given first aid treatment before being taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.
The Nigerian Boxing Federation nor the state government had yet to comment on his death as at the time of filing this report.