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From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
More details have emerged on the death of a boxing athlete at the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta State.
The boxer, Chucks Igboargo, was said to have collapsed outside the boxing ring after a bout.
Igboargo of Imo State took on Prince Gaby Amagor of Delta State in the 86kg bout at the Event Centre at Asaba.
He was said to be walking out of the Delta Event Centre hall when he suddenly collapsed.
Medics battled to save him. He was placed on oxygen in an attempt to stabilise him but died before getting to the hospital.
Secretary General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Akinyele Durotoye, said the tragic incident was unfortunate, but quickly added his death was not a result of the bout.
“He was well and okay and did show any sign of distress.
“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.
The boxing event would continue, according to an official of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
“We had 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.
