Former Nigerian boxing champion, Jerry Okorodudu, is dead.
He was aged 64.
His passing Okorodudu, widely known as Jerry Boy, has left boxing fans around the world in shock.
The 64-year-old pugilist breathed his last on Wednesday at a hospital in Lagos, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans on social media.
Jerry Boy lived and died as a dedicated boxer, unwavering in his belief in the sport.
Despite facing challenges during his tenure with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (FMYS), particularly in terms of inadequate welfare, he persevered until his final days, as stated by Barnabas Ikpe.
Numerous admirers applauded Jerry Boy’s relentless pursuit of a good and healthy life, considering the neglect he endured from sports institutions in Nigeria.
Throughout his life, he fought for his rights, even taking legal action against his employers to receive the unpaid salaries that accumulated until his passing.
A close associate revealed that Jerry Boy resorted to public appeals for funds to secure medical attention, as he had no other option. Unfortunately, his illness worsened, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he eventually succumbed.
Jerry Boy, who won a bronze medal in the men’s middleweight boxing event at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia, also represented Nigeria in the middleweight category at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States.
For a period of time, he served as a staff member of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He is survived by his wife, Adenike, and five children.
