NIGERIAN boxing legend Obisia Nwankpa has died at the age of 75.

The former champion and national coach passed away on Tuesday, according to his family, but his death was made public on Wednesday.

The President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) Dr Rafiu Ladipo paid tribute to the late legend and offered to assist the family in giving Nwankpa a befitting burial.

The late Nwankpa, nicknamed ‘Golden Gloves’ in his heyday, was born on May 19 1950 in Lagos, and was a champion at both amateur and professional levels.

He represented Nigeria at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany, competing in the light welterweight division, and subsequently won gold medals at the 1973 African Games in Lagos and the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

As a professional boxer, Nwankpa became the Nigerian lightweight champion, African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, and Commonwealth lightweight champion.

At his peak, he was the number one contender for the World Boxing Council (WBC) light welterweight title, challenging American champion Saoul Mamby.

Over his professional career, Nwankpa fought 29 times, winning 23, including 16 by knockout, and losing six.

Nwankpa later became a successful boxing coach, leading the Nigerian team to two Olympic Games — Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.