Nigeria’s Hogan Jimoh died on Sunday evening at a private hospital. The former lightweight contender collapsed at his residence in Lagos, Nigeria, and was taken to the hospital. He was 61-years-old.
Hogan “Atomic Bomb” Jimoh was a popular fighter during the 1970’s. Born in Ilorin, Nigeria, on December 29, 1955, he made his pro debut at 19-years-old in 1974. Two years later, he won the national lightweight title. In 1978, he defeated the formidable Lennox Blackmoore for the Commonwealth (British Empire) lightweight belt in Lagos.
Jimoh would hold that title until 1980, when he lost to Zimbabwe’s Langton Tinago. The two met again in 1981 with a similar result. Jimoh would fight one more time, defeating Pesu Roger in 1982 before hanging up the gloves for good. His final record was 30-6, with 24 knockouts.
Jimoh’s son, Hogan Jr., tried his hand at pro boxing in 2016 but suffered a TKO loss to countryman Otto Joseph. It was the last time the senior Jimoh made a public appearance.
According to sources, the once-celebrated boxer had taken to selling local foods in Ebute Ero. His remains were buried at his uncompleted house in Magbon , Lagos on Monday.
