The family of former boxing champion and coach, Obisia Nwakpa has now announced a burial date.
The former Olympian died on 3rd June 2025 after a lingering illness.
Wife of the late boxer, Franca Nwakpa, in an interview with DAILY POST in Calabar, said the family resolved that his burial will hold in his home town of Okpulukwu Umuosu in Umunna Nsulu clan of Isiala Ngwa north LGA in Abia State in November 2025.
She said the family was presently reaching out to boxing authorities and the state government for support.
She explained that the reason for the November date is to enable the family raise funds to fix his dilapidated country home and give him a befitting burial, disclosing that his illness had completely drained the family’s resources.
“We have written to sports authorities in the country to formally inform them about the passing of our father and former boxing coach. We will certainly need them. We strongly appeal for their support.
“Over the years of his illness, the family expended well over N9m on his medical treatment and welfare. We know that it was a deserving sacrifice we willingly made in honour of his remarkable contributions to Nigeria and the boxing world.”
Meanwhile, former governor Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, in a condolence letter to the family, described Obisia Nwakpa as a boxing legend.
He said he was fully aware of the pains that come with the loss of a dear father, adding that no amount of tributes will assuage their pains.
The former governor said that Nwakpa’s death has left a big vacuum in the family, adding that he lived a good and exemplary life worthy of emulation.
He stated that Nwakpa’s contributions to Nigerian boxing and sports will remain indelible.
In the 40 years of his active boxing career, Nwakpa held titles including Nigeria lightweight champion, African Boxing Union lightweight champion and Commonwealth lightweight champion. He fought for the WBC lightwelter weight title against USA’ Saoul Mamby. He was coach to Athens and Beijing Olympic Games of 2004 and 2008.
