In a sport like boxing, athletes are always prone to life-altering injuries because of blows. In that case, the referee’s role becomes even more pivotal in saving fighters from unnecessary aggression or punishment. However, for Jacob Oyoko, the officials made a crucial mistake during the bout, which ended up costing his life.

After the viral moment was captured on camera, everyone got curious to know how that unfortunate event happened. Here’s all you need to know about the incident:

How did Jacob Oyoko die after a boxing match? 

For those unaware, Jacob Oyoko is a Kenyan amateur boxer based out of Kisumu. In one of the local bouts, he faced an opponent named Julius Okuruchi, who was clearly getting the better of him during the exchanges, landing body shots and hooks to the head. After those crushing punches, the Boxer was visibly rocked and even went to the corner to evade getting any more punishment, but the referee didn’t stop the fight.

It’s unclear whether he was knocked out or not; however, local outlets later reported that Oyoko was transferred to the hospital, where doctors found that he sustained multiple injuries. According to Citizen Digital’s report, the president of the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission, Reuben Ndolo, later confirmed that the Kenyan boxer had passed away because of injuries sustained during the boxing match.

“Emergency protocols were activated promptly, with ringside medics administering oxygen support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation before the boxer was rushed to the hospital,” Ndolo said. “However, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.”  

Following Oyoko’s death, Wide World of Sports reported that investigators found a pre-existing lung condition that also amplified the effects of his injuries. Meanwhile, the KPBC has reportedly launched an investigation with an independent review committee, which includes medical experts, legal experts, and senior boxers, to prevent any unfortunate events.

Under the formed committee, officials will examine hydration, weight management, and other basic issues which can contribute to fighters having less consciousness during a boxing match. Now, as the world mourns the passing of a young talent, you’d be shocked to know that two similar deaths happened at the same event.  

Two boxers died in the same boxing event  

According to an ESPN report from last year, two Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, succumbed to traumatic brain injuries after competing on the same card, but in different fights, in Tokyo on August 2nd.

The 28-year-old Kotari faced PBF junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata in a 12-round bout and went to a draw. After the bout, Kotari lost consciousness and then went to check his brain, which revealed the existence of a subdural hematoma. For those who don’t know, this disease gathers blood between the skull and brain. As a result, the young Japanese boxer lost his life to his injuries.

After Kotari, Hiromasa Urakawa was also found to have the same subdural hematoma following his knockout loss to Yoji Saito. But after going through treatment, doctors couldn’t save the Japanese boxer, as he also passed away later. The entire boxing world mourned their loss and demanded investigations into both fighters’ causes of death. Even the WBO ended up paying heartfelt tribute to them.

“The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo,” the WBO announced on social media. “This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”

That said, rest in peace to Jacob Oyoko and the other boxers who lost their lives, and deep condolences to their families and loved ones during this difficult time.