Kenyan Boxer Dies During Professional Match, Cause Under Investigation
The Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) has verified the death of Jacob Oyoko, a Kisumu-based professional boxer.
On Sunday, March 29, the commission issued a statement confirming that the boxer died as a result of an event during a professional match on Saturday, March 28.
Despite following emergency medical protocols after the event, efforts to resuscitate him failed, according to the panel.
“Emergency medical protocol was followed ringside, with the boxer receiving immediate physician care, CPR, oxygen, and transfer to the hospital. The ringside physician will submit a full medical report,” the commission stated.
Kenyan Boxer Jacob Oyoko died in the Ring yesternight after receiving a Knockout punch from a Nigerian Julius Okoruchi!
— The Oligarch (@NytoP2PMwangi) March 30, 2026
The Referee is so incompetent, He saw Jacob had no ability to defend himself, yet never stopped the fight,
The Kenyan Boxing Federation had also not put in… pic.twitter.com/5pvHrRIea7
“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,” it added.
The KPBC, which hailed Oyoko as a dedicated athlete, stated that his death was a tragic loss not just to his family and colleagues but also to the boxing community.
The commission has assured that it has formed an independent review committee comprising external medical experts, legal professionals, and other senior boxing officials.
They will work closely with security agencies to uncover the circumstances that led to his death.
“We have requested a full post-mortem examination as required by Kenyan law,” the commission stated.
“The investigation will examine all aspects of the bout, including pre-fight medical screening, weight management, hydration protocols, ringside medical response, and referee decisions.”
The commission has assured that it will work with Oyoko’s family to ensure that they receive all the entitled benefits, as well as covering medical and funeral expenses.
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Prior to the boxer’s death, videos had emerged on social media showing him seemingly looking defenceless against a rival, raising the question whether he was in proper condition to engage in a bout.
KPBC reiterated that it will ensure the strengthening of medical protocols, enhancing pre-fight screenings, and enforcing stricter weight-management and ringside safety standards on all boxing events to ensure that such events don’t recur.
Furthermore, the commission has said it is willing to review boxing regulations depending on the recommendations that will emerge after investigations into the incident are concluded.
“Boxing is a noble sport built on courage, discipline, and respect. Today, we mourn the loss of one of our own,” the statement read.
“The KPBC remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Kenyan boxing remains safe, credible, and world-class.”
Kenyan Boxer Dies During Professional Match, Cause Under Investigation
