BREAKING: Nigerian boxer, Jerry Okorodudu, is dead
By Uzor Odigbo
Boxing fans worldwide are shocked over the death of former Nigeria’s boxing trojan, Jeremiah Okorodudu, aka (Jerry Boy) on Wednesday at Lagos hospital.
Social media has been awash with fans’ reactions on the death at age 64 of the pugilist as they gave him glowing tributes.
“Jerry lived and died a boxer, he believed it, though, he was not treated well by his former employers (FMYS) in terms of welfare when he was there. But he soldiered on till he died,” said Barnabas Ikpe.
Others praised the boxer’s quest to live a good and healthy life as he would have died long ago owing to neglect by the sports institutions in Nigeria.
He took his employers to court for his salaries which were not paid until he died.
“Jerry resorted to public appeal for funds to get medical attention as he was left no option,” said a close ally.
The boxer, according to reports was ill and had to be rushed to hospital where he died.
Okorodudu, a bronze medalist in the men’s middleweight boxing event of the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia, died on Wednesday evening.
Okorodudu, who also fought for Nigeria in the middleweight boxing event at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States, and was for some time staff of the Sports Ministry is survived by his wife, Adenike, and five children.