The super lightweight bout, scheduled for four rounds, took place at Mumias Cultural Centre in Kenya's Kakamega region. It featured Oyoko against opponent Julius Okuruchi and was one of four preliminary bouts before the main heavyweight clash between Dennis Okoth and Bilali Kalande.

Jacob Oyoko (left) in his bout against Julius Okuruchi at Mumias Cultural Centre, Kakamega region, Western Province, Kenya on 28/3. Photo: screenshot.

The pivotal moment arrived in the second round. Oyoko was repeatedly cornered against the ropes, enduring a barrage of punches from Okuruchi. The 38-year-old boxer appeared slow to react, frequently dropping his guard and failing to respond effectively. At several points, he seemed almost defenseless while pinned in the corner.

Despite this, the bout was not stopped immediately. The referee signaled for the two boxers to continue. Oyoko remained on his feet but offered little resistance. Okuruchi pressed on, landing more punches before briefly backing off. Only after Oyoko sustained further damage did the referee intervene, ending the fight and ruling Okuruchi the winner by technical knockout.

Both boxers were able to leave the ring on their own. However, Oyoko's condition quickly deteriorated. He complained of weakness and difficulty breathing before collapsing backstage. The medical team on site provided emergency first aid, including oxygen administration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, before transferring him to Mumias Level Four Hospital.

Despite intensive emergency care, Oyoko did not survive.

The boxer's death, hailing from Kisumu, sent shockwaves through the Kenyan boxing community, raising questions about the sport's management, preparation, and fighter protection mechanisms in the ring.

According to the organizers, medical protocols were activated immediately after the incident. A representative from the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission confirmed that Oyoko received on-site care before being transferred to the hospital. The commission also stated it has initiated the process for handling a boxer's death in accordance with national regulations and international standards.

The final moments of the bout between Oyoko and Okuruchi.

An independent investigation has been requested, involving medical experts, lawyers, and boxing officials not directly associated with the event. The governing body also called for full medical reports from the ringside doctor and a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death.

Details surrounding Oyoko's preparation became a focal point of the controversy. The fight against Okuruchi marked his professional debut. Previously, Oyoko had participated in amateur boxing, representing Kisumu under the Kenya Boxing Federation, but had been inactive for some time before his return.

Oyoko accepted the fight only two days before the event. At the time, he was preparing to travel to Mombasa for his primary job as a private security officer. Such a short-notice transition to professional boxing, without a long-term preparation period, raised concerns about licensing and fitness-to-fight protocols.

The event organizers affirmed that the fight was fully licensed and Oyoko had passed all necessary medical checks. Promoter John Wakungui stated that all safety measures were observed and refuted claims that Oyoko's corner failed to intervene promptly.

Oyoko during his lifetime. *Photo: TechNews Kenya*.

In boxing, a coach can throw in the towel to stop a fight when a boxer can no longer continue. However, this action can have financial consequences, including the risk of the boxer losing prize money. This factor may cause corners to hesitate in dangerous situations.

The referee's role also sparked debate. Many observers argued that the fight should have been stopped sooner, particularly when Oyoko was pinned against the ropes and unable to defend himself effectively. Typically, a fighter relying on the ropes while taking punishment can be considered knocked down, providing grounds for referee intervention.

An internationally certified Kenyan referee stated that current rules empower the referee to stop a fight if a boxer cannot defend himself or is taking too many blows. He also placed responsibility on the coaching staff, who can request to end the fight from their corner.

Following the incident, many voices called for reforms in Kenyan boxing. Proposals focus on tightening regulations for professional debutants, especially those who accept fights on short notice and lack recent fight data. Additionally, there is a demand to review rules related to the corner's right to stop a fight, aiming to remove financial disincentives.

Furthermore, pre-fight medical examinations and in-bout supervision were highlighted as areas requiring reinforcement.

Oyoko's passing left a significant emotional impact on the local boxing community. He was described as disciplined and hardworking, pursuing his athletic passion while supporting himself through his daily job.

By Hoang An (Source: Boxing Social)