Tragic loss: Boxer Hassan Mgaya dies after knockout, aged just 29

Tanzanian boxer Hassan Mgaya has tragically passed away just days after suffering a knockout defeat in a bout against Paul Elias, The Sun reports. The athlete was only 29 years old.

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The fight took place on December 27 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Elias won by knockout, but Mgaya sustained a severe injury that required immediate hospitalization. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on December 30.

“Tanzanian professional boxer Hassan Mgaya passed away on December 30, 2024, from injuries resulting from a knockout he received on December 27. Mgaya had been taken to Palestine Hospital in Sinza, Tanzania, before being transferred to Mwananyamala Hospital where he spent his final moments. The entire WBC family and President Mauricio Sulaiman send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our beloved champion,” read the official statement from the WBC.

The bout against Elias was Mgaya’s fourth fight in 2024. Over his career, he participated in eight matches, securing three wins, two losses, and three draws.