Hassan Mgaya, a professional boxer, has died at the age of 29 after sustaining injuries in the ring. Mgaya was knocked out during a match against Paul Elias in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, on December 27 and was rushed to the hospital.
Despite immediate medical attention, he tragically succumbed to his injuries three days later, on December 30. The World Boxing Council (WBC) released a heartfelt statement: “Tanzanian professional boxer Hassan Mgaya passed away on December 30, 2024, from injuries resulting from a knockout he received on December 27.”
They continued, “Mgaya had been taken to Palestine Hospital in Sinza, Tanzania, before being transferred to Mwananyamala Hospital where he spent his final moments.”
The WBC, along with President Mauricio Sulaiman, extended their deepest sympathies, saying, “The entire WBC family and President Mauricio Sulaiman send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our beloved champion. Rest in Peace.”
Reports indicate that Mgaya collapsed in the fifth round of the fight and bit his tongue, requiring first aid in the ring before being taken to the hospital.
Nsajigwa Mwangamilo, the acting secretary of the Tanzanian Commission, also paid respects, stating, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and boxing stakeholders in the country.”
Mgaya’s career record included eight professional fights, with three wins, three losses, two draws, and one knockout victory. His last fight against Elias marked his fourth bout in 2024, having fought exclusively in Tanzania throughout his career.
The acting secretary general of the Tanzania Professional Boxing Regulatory Commission (TPBRC), Nsajigwa Mwangamilo, confirmed that Mgaya was laid to rest on New Year’s Day in Vingunguti, Dar-Es-Salaam. This marks the second recent death of a Tanzanian boxer following a match, after Abbasi Mselem passed away in November due to a knockout during his fight in Zanzibar.
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