Kenyan boxer Jacob Oyoko dies after ringside incident during professional bout
Kenyan boxer Jacob Oyoko dies after ringside incident during professional bout
The Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) has confirmed the death of a Kisumu-based professional boxer, Jacob Oyoko.
In a statement on Sunday, March 29, the commission confirmed that the boxer passed on after an incident during a professional bout on Saturday, March 28.
Despite emergency medical protocols being followed after the incident, efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, according to the commission.
“Emergency medical protocol was followed ringside, with the boxer receiving immediate physician care, CPR, oxygen, and transfer to the hospital. The ringside physician will submit a full medical report,” the commission stated.
“All relevant authorities have been formally notified, including the Kenya Police, the Ministry of Sports, Sports Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, and the County Health Department,” it added.
The KPBC, which described Oyoko as a dedicated athlete, said his death was not only a devastating loss to his family and colleagues but also to the boxing fraternity.
The commission has assured that it has formed an independent review committee comprising external medical experts, legal professionals, and other senior boxing officials, who will work closely with security agencies to uncover the circumstances that led to his death.
“We have requested a full post-mortem examination as required by Kenyan law. The investigation will examine all aspects of the bout, including pre-fight medical screening, weight management, hydration protocols, ringside medical response, and referee decisions,” the commission stated.
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The commission has assured that it will work with Oyoko’s family to ensure that they receive all the entitled benefits, as well as covering medical and funeral expenses.
Prior to the boxer’s death, videos had emerged on social media showing him seemingly looking defenceless against a rival, raising the question whether he was in proper condition to engage in a bout.
KPBC reiterated that it will ensure the strengthening of medical protocols, enhancing pre-fight screenings, and enforcing stricter weight-management and ringside safety standards on all boxing events to ensure that such events don’t recur.
Furthermore, the commission has said it is willing to review boxing regulations depending on the recommendations that will emerge after investigations into the incident are concluded.
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