Tragedy hits Delta 2022 as Imo boxer slumps, dies after knockout

Tragedy struck at the ongoing Delta 2022 National Sports Festival, yesterday, when Imo State boxer, Chucks Igboarugo, who was earlier knocked out in their 86kg bout by Prince Gaby Amagor of Delta State, slumped and died before getting to a medical centre in Asaba.

Following the knockout loss to Amagor, Igboarugo tried to walk out of the Asaba Events Centre, venue of the bout, when he slumped, drawing the attention of medics, who battled to resuscitate him.

Doctors placed him on oxygen and tried to stabilise him, but he died before getting to the hospital.   “He was well and okay and did not show any sign of distress,” Nigeria Boxing Federation Secretary General, Akinyele Durotoye, told The Guardian.   “His coach was with him but stepped out to get some equipment momentarily, unsuspecting the boxer was in danger.   “It’s one of those tragedies we see at sports venues with athletes having underlying health conditions. It is unfortunate we lost him, but his death has nothing to do with the bout,” Durotoye said.   An official of the Local Organising committee (LOC) said yesterday that the boxing events would continue.       “We have no reason to stop the bouts since it was an accident outside the ring. Besides, the medics and medical facilities are adequate to deal with any emergency,” the official said. 

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