Nigeria’s ace boxer in the 80s, Jeremiah Okorodudu is dying in a Lagos Hospital without the ability to talk or walk and awaiting amputation surgery.
Okorodudu aged 64 (born 24th May 1959) has been down at Dan’s Hospital, 46 Thomas Laniyan, Irawo Busstop, Ikorodu in Lagos Nigeria for two years now with partial stroke and diabetics that has brought foot ulcer awaiting amputation.
His wife, Adenike Okorodudu has thrown in the towel stating that the family is out of funds and cannot cope with his treatment.
An investigation shows the boxing community, comprising of coaches, boxing referees and boxers is tinkering on how to raise funds for his treatment and the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control may be coordinating the new move after a video clip that shows Okorodudu trying to mutter some words for help. The Video clip is here for your view but the cover photo is Okorodudu and him lying on hospital bed. Sources I contacted said they are keeping their plans secret for now and after coordination shall be made public.
Jerry as called in boxing circles was a Bronze Medalist at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia from 30th September to 9th October and was controversially edged out at the quarterfinals of the 1984 Olympic Games at Vigil Hills on split decision of 3-2 by North Korean Sun Sho Shp which the Nigerian camp vehemently protested.
That 1982 Olympics was where Nigerian Boxer, Peter Konyegwachie won Silver in the Featherweight category and the Nigerian 4 x 400 Relay Men won Bronze.
Jerry was a Gold Medalist at the National Sports Festival, Oluyole ’79 which was my first professional outing with the Radio Organizations of Nigeria where I was the youngest Commentator under the leadership of both legendary Commentator, Ishola Folorunsho and Earnest Okonkwo and I was Stringer to Walter Batuwei who led the Boxing coverage crew.
Jerry had 83 Amateur fights and 40 Professional boxing bouts but BOXING RECORD a publication on world pugilists’ states that Jerry had 21 international Pro bouts with 135 rounds and fought between 1986 and 1992.
Two memorable bouts will refresh boxing enthusiasts in Nigeria which was with Joe Lasisi. The first one at the National Stadium on 28th July 1985 Jerry had to retire with a broken right arm in the 2nd round. I was there and reported it for the Nation’s Model Station Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation OGBC. In the second bout between both boxers weighing 172 Ibs each on 16th December 1988 also at the National Stadium, Lagos Okorodudu claimed he was thumbed by Joe Lasisi but the score card read 68-65; 67-66 and 66-67 in favor of Lasisi.
Jerry was told the media he was inspired to go into boxing from secondary school at Benin City in Nigeria through the brilliance of the man “that flies like a Butterfly and stings like a Bee”, Muhammed Ali who he never met.
You may reach his wife, Adenike on +2348084200018 or send your token to his bank account: Jeremiah Okorodudu, Account Number 0011203501 Eco Bank.
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