The recently deceased boxer from Imo state had hypertension, according to Mr. Charles Aniagwu, chairman of the local organizing committee (LOC) for the 21st National Sports Festival, thesportsbay.com.
As many people may remember, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo of Imo State competed in the 86 kg division after being struck by Prince Gaby Amagor of Anambra State during a battle.
He was taken to the hospital after collapsing, where it was determined that he had passed away.
The deceased, who was reportedly suffering from high blood pressure, was initially prevented from fighting by medical personnel but later returned and was declared fit, at which point he was permitted to enter the ring, according to the LOC chairman.
Mr Aniagwu debunked insinuations that the late boxer was not physically fit or having serious health issues prior to the match but insisted that if the family agrees for an autopsy, the LOC will not hesitate to do that.
He said the autopsy would also help in identifying the cause of his death and how to further prevent future occurrence
Mr Aniagwu who is also the Delta state commissioner for information said medical experts are available in all venues of the sports festival to run background check on athletes before they participate in games.
