The death of Kenyan boxer Jacob 'Spoiler' Oyoko in the ring on Sunday has shone the spotlight on the need to improve athlete safety and enforce safety standards in Kenyan boxing.
A widely shared video clip on Monday showed the boxer absorbing a flurry of jabs from his opponent, Julius 'Faya' Okuruchi, during their super lightweight bout on Saturday at the Mumias Cultural Centre in Kakamega County.
Oyoko, who is from Kisumu, looks defenceless in the clip as Okuruchi rains blows on him, sending him to the ropes.
Okuruchi then retreats, but instead of stopping the contest, the referee signals for it to continue.
Oyoko, who was making his debut in professional boxing, stands defenceless at the corner of the ring.
The two boxers walk out of the ring. Sources who attended the bout indicated that Oyoko collapsed shortly thereafter and was rushed to Mumias Level Four Hospital.
The incident has elicited sharp debate about the safety of boxers in the ring, the role of referees in matches where one has been overpowered but is not ready to quit.
The bout was one of four undercard bouts to the heavyweight contest between Dennis “Gorilla” Okoth and Bilali “Ngori” Kalande.
The fights have been organised by Mengo Boxing Promotion. Ngori claimed victory through a fifth-round technical knockout.
While Okoyo was making his professional debut, it was Okuruchi’s third professional contest.
Kenya Professional Boxing Council’s (KPBC) Secretary-General, Franklin Imbenzi, on Monday said in a press statement that the Kisumu-based boxer passed away in hospital despite receiving immediate medical response.
“The two boxers left the ring after Okuruchi was declared the winner on a technical knockout. I am told Oyoko collapsed,” said Imbenzi.
The bout’s promoter, John “Pope” Wakungui, said all safety protocols were followed, including clearance and sanctioning by KPBC.
“It’s quite unfortunate that a boxer has passed on. The referee stopped the bout and a result was declared before the boxers went to the changing room.
Oyoko complained of general weakness and breathing difficulties, Wakungui said, clarifying that Oyoko’s trainers didn’t throw in the towel to save the boxer as alleged.
Wakungui said a ringside doctor attended to Oyoko before he was transferred to Mumias Level Four Hospital, where he passed on while receiving treatment.
Imbenzi said his team acted in accordance with the Sports Act 2013 and international boxing standards by immediately activating the Fighter Fatality Protocol upon confirmation of the incident.
“Emergency medical protocol was followed at the ringside, and the boxer got immediate physician care, CPR, oxygen, and then he was transferred to the hospital,” Imbenzi said, adding that the ringside physician will submit a full medical report.
“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,” said Imbenzi, explaining that a full Independent Investigation will be launched.
Imbenzi said his team has constituted an independent committee to review the matter. The committee is made up of external medical experts, legal professionals, and senior boxing officials with no prior involvement in the event to take over the case.
“On behalf of the entire boxing fraternity in Kenya, KPBC extends its deepest and sincerest condolences to the family, friends, teammates and the trainer of Oyoko,” said Imbenzi.
On Monday, World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) referee, Kenya’s Julius Odhiambo, disclosed that rules governing stopping and throwing in of the towel in boxing have changed.
“A boxer can go down on one knee or retreat to his corner if he is overwhelmed. His seconders should be able to communicate this, not throw in the towel.
“Throwing in the towel leads to disqualification and in most cases, the boxer won’t get his purse,” said Odhiambo.
Odhiambo explained that the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Unified Rules allow referees to step in to stop the fight if a boxer is unable to defend himself, is severely injured, or is taking excessive punishment.
Okoyo had represented Kisumu in the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) National League until years ago when he went into coaching, only to return and turn professional.
The 1988 Seoul Olympic welterweight champion, Robert Wangila of Kenya, died from injuries from a 1994 fight with David Gonzales in Las Vegas.
