The Kenya Professional Boxing Commission has confirmed the tragic death of Kisumu boxer Jacob Oyoko following a professional bout on March 28, 2026.

The Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) has confirmed the death of Kisumu-based professional boxer Jacob Oyoko

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, who passed away following an incident during a professional boxing bout held on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

According to a statement released by the commission on Sunday, March 29, Oyoko suffered a medical emergency during the match despite all required safety protocols being in place.

Emergency medical procedures were immediately activated at ringside, including physician care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), oxygen support, and urgent transfer to a hospital. However, efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Jacob Oyoko// The Star

Immediate Medical Response and Investigation

KPBC stated that all relevant authorities were notified following the incident, including the Kenya Police, the Ministry of Sports, Sports Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, and the County Health Department. The ringside physician is expected to submit a full medical report detailing the events surrounding the incident.

To establish the exact cause of death, the commission has formed an independent review committee comprising external medical experts, legal professionals, and senior boxing officials.

The committee will work alongside security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

A full post-mortem examination has also been requested, as required by Kenyan law.

The investigation will assess several key areas, including:

Pre-fight medical screening procedures
Weight management and hydration protocols
Ringside medical response
Referee decisions and bout supervision
Overall compliance with boxing safety regulations

Support for Family and Boxing Community

KPBC described Oyoko as a dedicated athlete and expressed condolences to his family, friends, and the wider boxing fraternity. The commission confirmed that it will work closely with the family to ensure they receive all entitled benefits, including support for medical and funeral expenses.

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The incident has drawn attention on social media, where videos from the bout appeared to show the boxer struggling during the fight, prompting public concern over his condition before and during the match.

Safety Measures Under Review

Following the incident, KPBC announced plans to strengthen medical protocols and enforce stricter safety standards in professional boxing events across the country. The commission noted that recommendations from the ongoing investigation could lead to a review of boxing regulations to enhance athlete safety.

KPBC emphasised that boxing remains a disciplined and regulated sport and reiterated its commitment to ensuring safety, credibility, and proper medical oversight in all sanctioned events.

Jacob Oyoko’s death marks a significant loss to Kenya’s boxing community, with authorities now focusing on investigations and safety improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.