Felix Bwalya

Felix Bwalya (born October 27, 1970 in Chingola – died December 23, 1997 in Lusaka) was a boxer from Zambia, who competed for his native country at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. There he was stopped in the first round of the lightweight division (– 60 kg) by Tanzania's Rashid Matumla. As a professional he went 12–1 (9 KO), capturing the African and Commonwealth light welterweight titles in 1995 and 1997, respectively. He died from head injuries sustained in the latter fight.

Felix Bwalya
Medal record
Men's Boxing
Representing  Zambia
All-Africa Games
1991 Cairo Lightweight

Career

Felix Bwalya fell into a coma after what colleagues said was a drinking spree following his controversial victory over the Briton Paul Burke in Lusaka. The Zambian boxer won a unanimous decision in the 12-round bout despite being knocked down and saved by the bell in the last round.

Bwalya, who was on medication for malaria, went on a two-day celebratory binge soon after the fight, friends said. He complained of a headache and was taken to the intensive care unit of the local University Teaching Hospital, where he lapsed into a coma.

The then Zambia's Minister of Sport, William Harrington, announced the suspension of the Professional Boxing Board of Control and said he had instituted an independent inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Bwalya's death.

Bwalya, who was 27, was knocked down three times in the last three rounds and was on the canvas as the final bell sounded.

But he was ahead on points and won the fight despite vociferous complaints by Burke's camp, who claimed the final round was at least two minutes short.

Hilary Matyola, head of the Zambian Boxing Board of Control, had been suspended by Mr Harrington along with the rest of the board.

Mr Matyola said last week the board was discussing whether referee Hugo Mulenga should have stopped the 12-round bout.[1][2]

Professional boxing record
Professional record summary
13 fights 12 wins 1 loss
By knockout 9 0
By decision 3 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
13 Win 12–1 Paul Burke PTS 12 Dec 13, 1997 Lusaka, Zambia Won Commonwealth super lightweight title
12 Loss 11–1 Bernard Paul PTS 12 April 22, 1997 York Hall, London, England For vacant Commonwealth super lightweight title
11 Win 11–0 Bruno Sakabunda PTS 10 Apr 6, 1996 Kabwe, Zambia
10 Win 10–0 Akwei Addo TKO 4 (?) Aug 26, 1995 Lusaka, Zambia
9 Win 9–0 Gashaw Gudeta TKO 3 (12) Jun 25, 1995 Lusaka, Zambia Won vacant African light welterweight title
8 Win 8–0 Dalmas Otieno KO 4 (?) Mar 11, 1995 Lusaka, Zambia
7 Win 7–0 King Zaka KO 1 (12) Dec 10, 1994 Lusaka, Zambia Won vacant Africa Zone 6 light welterweight title
6 Win 6–0 Bramley Whiteboy KO 1 (6) Nov 10, 1994 Lusaka, Zambia
5 Win 5–0 Bruno Sakabunda PTS 6 May 28, 1994 Lusaka, Zambia
4 Win 4–0 King Zaka RTD 2 (?) Mar 26, 1994 Harare, Zimbabwe
3 Win 3–0 Charles Shiliya KO 6 (6) Nov 6, 1993 Kabwe, Zambia
2 Win 2–0 Samson Siwila KO 1 (12) Oct 2, 1993 Lusaka, Zambia Won vacant Zambia light welterweight title
1 Win 1–0 Forger Siame TKO 6 (6) Jul 17, 1993 Lusaka, Zambia

References
  1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/42219.stm
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/24/sports/plus-boxing-zambian-fighter-dies-after-victory.html
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