Different strokes for Nigerian Boxing

While the entire world celebrates Nigerian born British Boxer, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua on his 11th round Victory over Wladmir Klitchsco, A wave of sad news came through on the same day that Nigeria had lost a former boxing legend, Dele Jonathan.

Jonathan, a former African and Commonwealth boxing champion in lightweight category died in Ibadan on Saturday morning after a protracted poor health.

He had for the past seven years been battling with his health after he was diagnosed for prostate enlargement at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan where he had the first phase of his surgery but could not afford the cost for the further medical care.

Reacting to the death, the Chairman of Oyo State Amateur Boxing Association (OSABA), Chief Baron Akintunde Opaleye, described the circumstances at which the former boxing champion died as a pitiable one, urging government to pay more attention to the plight of the country's sporting heroes especially at their trying times.

Also mourning the late Jonathan was the boxing enthusiast and respected Yoruba monarch, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo who described Jonathan as a stylish pugilist during his active days in the ring.

He however regretted the loss saying he was determined to support the welfare of the ex-boxing champion but lost the communication link with him. He pledged to support in giving him a befitting burial.

Alaafin had in July 2014 given the late Jonathan N3million lifeline to support his medical treatment,