James Oyebola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Oyebola |
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| Statistics | ||||||||
| Nickname(s) | Big Bad | |||||||
| Rated at | Heavyweight | |||||||
| Nationality | Nigerian British |
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| Born | 10 June 1961 Lagos, Nigeria |
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| Died | 27 July 2007 (aged 46) Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom |
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| Stance | Orthodox | |||||||
| Boxing record | ||||||||
| Total fights | 23 | |||||||
| Wins | 18 | |||||||
| Wins by KO | 16 | |||||||
| Losses | 4 | |||||||
| Draws | 1 | |||||||
| No contests | 0 | |||||||
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Medal record
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James Oyebola (born 10 June 1961 – died 27 July 2007) was a talented heavyweight boxer from Nigeria and Britain. He was known for his impressive height of 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters). James won a bronze medal at the 1986 Commonwealth Games and was the British heavyweight champion from 1994 to 1996.
He was a strong fighter, winning 18 of his 23 professional matches. Sixteen of these wins were by knockout, showing his powerful punches. James was based in Paddington, London, during his boxing career.
Contents
Amateur Career
Before turning professional, James Oyebola was a top amateur boxer. He won the ABA Super Heavyweight Championship twice, in both 1986 and 1987. This showed his early promise and skill in the sport.
Professional Career
James Oyebola made a big impact in professional boxing. In 1993, he won the WBC International Heavyweight title. A year later, on 19 November 1994, he became the British Heavyweight champion. He achieved this by knocking out Clifton Mitchell in the fourth round of their fight in Cardiff, Wales.
During his career, James was known by the nickname "Big Bad." His last professional fight was in 1996, where he faced Julius Francis.
His Family Life
James Oyebola had two children with Malin Bergstrom. His daughter, Kristel Regina Oyebola, was born in 1994. His son, James Babatunde Oyebola, was born in 1999. Both of his children were born in Westminster, London.
A Sad Farewell
On 23 July 2007, James Oyebola was involved in an incident at a club in Fulham Broadway. He was trying to help staff with some customers when he was seriously injured.
Simon Block, who was in charge of the British Boxing Board of Control, shared a heartfelt message about James. He said that James was "truly one of nature's gentlemen." He also praised James for his courage, both inside and outside the boxing ring.
After the incident, James was in the hospital. His family made the difficult decision to turn off his life support machine on 27 July 2007. James Oyebola passed away that day at Charing Cross Hospital. His funeral was held on 10 September 2007.
Remembering James
After James's passing, a person named Kanyanta Mubanga Mulenga was found responsible for his death in October 2008.
James Oyebola's family announced that they would create a charity foundation in his name. This foundation aims to help young people find a positive path in life. It's a way to honor James's memory and continue his spirit of helping others.
Professional Boxing Record
| 18 Wins (16 knockouts, 2 decisions), 4 Losses (4 knockouts), 1 Draws | |||||||
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Type | Rd. | Date | Location | Notes |
| Loss | 18–4-1 | Julius Francis | TKO | 10 (10), 2:31 | 27 September 1997 | Broadway Theatre, London, England | BBBofC Southern Area heavyweight title |
| Win | 18–3-1 | Scott Welch | TKO | 10 (12) | 27 October 1995 | Metropole Hotel, Brighton, England | Vacant Commonwealth (British Empire) and BBBofC British heavyweight title |
| Win | 18–2-1 | Keith McMurray | TKO | 7 (10), 1:41 | 7 February, 1995 | Corn Exchange, Ipswich, England | |
| Win | 17–2-1 | Clifton Mitchell | KO | 4 (12), 0:58 | 19 November 1994 | National Ice Rink, Cardiff, Wales | Vacant BBBofC British heavyweight title |
| Win | 16–2-1 | Scott Welch | KO | 5 (12), 1;00 | 6 May 1994 | Boardwalk Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. | WBC International heavyweight title |
| Win | 15–2-1 | Ladislao Mijangos | TKO | 2 (8), 1:32 | 9 February, 1994 | York Hall, London, England | |
| Win | 14–2-1 | Jimmy Bills | PTS | 8 (8) | 1 December 1993 | York Hall, London, England | |
| Win | 13–2-1 | Roger McKenzie | TKO | 1 (12) | 13 October 1993 | York Hall, London, England | Vacant WBC International and BBBofC Southern Area heavyweight title |
| Win | 12–2-1 | Denroy Bryan | TKO | 5 (6), 2:15 | 15 September 1993 | York Hall, London, England | |
| Win | 11–2-1 | Bombaphani Bonyongo Destroyer | KO | 1 (?) | 18 May 1991 | Harare, Zimbabwe | |
| Win | 10–2-1 | Stan Campbell | KO | 1 (?), 2:26 | 4 April 1991 | Convention Center, Greenville, Mississippi, U.S. | |
| Loss | 9–2-1 | John Westgarth | TKO | 5 (6), 0:45 | 07 March, 1989 | Hudsons Sports Centre, Wisbech, England | |
| Win | 9–1-1 | Art Terry | KO | 5 (8) | 15 February, 1989 | York Hall, London, England | |
| Win | 8–1-1 | John Westgarth | KO | 3 (6) | 31 January 1989 | Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading, England | |
| Win | 7–1-1 | Everton Champion Christian | KO | 1 (6) | 23 November 1988 | York Hall, London, England | |
| Win | 6–1-1 | Dorcy Gaymon | TKO | 1 (6), 0:49 | 01 November, 1988 | Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading, England | |
| Win | 5–1-1 | Tee Lewis | KO | 1 (?) | 07 September, 1988 | Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading, England | |
| Draw | 4–1-1 | Andrew Gerrard | PTS | 6 (6) | 05 May, 1988 | Municipal Hall, London, England | |
| Win | 4–1 | Denroy Bryan | TKO | 6 (6), 1:44 | 09 February, 1988 | York Hall, London, England | |
| Loss | 3–1 | Mike Jones | TKO | 2 (6) | 24 November 1987 | Hudsons Sports Centre, Wisbech, England | |
| Win | 3–0 | Carl Timbrell | KO | 2 (6) | 03 November, 1987 | York Hall, London, England | |
| Win | 2–0 | Ian Priest | TKO | 2 (8), 2:39 | 16 September 1987 | Royal Albert Hall, London, England | |
| Win | 1–0 | Andrew Gerrard | PTS | 6 (6) | 01 July, 1987 | Royal Albert Hall, London, England | |
See also
- Boxing at the 1986 Commonwealth Games
