Lightweight boxer Hassan Mgaya tragically passed away on December 30, 2024, just three days after sustaining injuries in the ring. Mgaya, 29, had been knocked out during a fight against fellow Tanzanian Paul Elias in Dar-Es-Salaam on December 27.
Following the knockout, Mgaya was rushed to Palestine Hospital in Sinza before being transferred to Mwananyamala Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) released a heartfelt statement:
“Tanzanian professional boxer Hassan Mgaya passed away on December 30, 2024, from injuries resulting from a knockout he received on December 27. The entire WBC family and President Mauricio Sulaiman send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our beloved champion. Rest in peace.”
Reports from Tanzania indicate that Mgaya collapsed in the fifth round against Elias after suffering a knockout and biting his tongue. Despite first aid being administered in the ring, his condition required immediate hospitalization.
Hassan Mgaya competed professionally as a lightweight, with a record of eight fights: three wins, three losses, and two draws, including one knockout victory. His fight against Elias at Dunia Ndogo Hall in Tandale, Dar-Es-Salaam, marked his fourth match in 2024, with all his bouts held within Tanzania.
The acting secretary general of the Tanzania Professional Boxing Regulatory Commission (TPBRC), Nsajigwa Mwangamilo, paid tribute to Mgaya, saying:
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and boxing stakeholders in the country.”
Mgaya was laid to rest on New Year’s Day in Vingunguti, Dar-Es-Salaam. His passing comes just weeks after another Tanzanian boxer, Abbasi Mselem, died following a knockout during a match in Zanzibar.