Tanzanian boxer dies after collapsing during fight

© MwanaSpoti

BOXING Tanzanian boxer dies after collapsing during fight

Festus Chuma 20:00 - 28.04.2023

The young boxer died on Thursday night while receiving treatment at a hospital in Dodoma.

Tanzanian boxer Ibrahim Najim has died in hospital after suffering a brain injury during his defeat on Sunday.

The lightweight third-round fight ended in disturbing circumstances after Najim collapsed and was rushed to Dodoma District Hospital.

https://twitter.com/Kchandonditz/status/1651625773726420998?s=20

According to the boxing promoter Sofia Mwakagenda, MRI scans were conducted, and it was discovered the boxer suffered internal bleeding.

Najim was seemingly cruising towards victory and had his opponent Laurent Segu in deep trouble when he sent him to the ropes with a blistering combination.

Segu bravely fought on, but as he returned to his feet, the fight took a worrying turn as Najim moved his focus away from his rival and fell on the canvas.

On Friday, Najim's brother Richard Chawinga told reporters that burial preparations have commenced, and the family will announce the burial date when they arrive at their home in Kyela. 

"We are on our way to Mbeya, and when we arrive, we will know what the funeral arrangements are because our relatives are waiting for us there, but we will keep Kyela at home," said Chawinga per Radio France International.

​Studies show that traumatic brain injuries are common among both professional and amateur boxers. 

In 2020 the World Medical Association said that "boxing is qualitatively different from other sports because of the injuries it causes and that it should be banned."​

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