Hassan Mgaya, a 29-year-old professional boxer from Tanzania, passed away on December 30, 2024, following injuries sustained during a lightweight bout against fellow countryman Paul Elias. The match took place at Dunia Ndogo Hall in Tandale, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, on December 27.
Mgaya collapsed in the fifth round after receiving several head blows that rendered him unconscious. First aid was administered in the ring, and reports indicate he had bitten his tongue during the incident.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and boxing stakeholders in the country,” said Nsajigwa Mwangamilo, the Tanzania Professional Boxing Regulatory Commission’s acting secretary.
Initially taken to Palestine Hospital in Sinza, Tanzania, Mgaya was later transferred to Mwananyamala Hospital. His condition deteriorated in the subsequent days, leading to a final transfer to Muhimbili National Hospital, where he spent his final moments.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) acknowledged the loss in an official 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.”
Throughout his professional career, Mgaya compiled a record of three wins, three losses, and two draws. His arsenal included one knockout victory, while he experienced two knockout losses, including his final bout. The fight against Elias marked his fourth appearance in the ring during 2024, with all his professional matches taking place in Tanzania.
The Tanzania Professional Boxing Regulatory Commission confirmed that the bout was organized by a registered promoter who had followed all required regulations. Mgaya was laid to rest on New Year’s Day in Vingunguti, Dar-Es-Salaam.
His passing marks the second loss for the Tanzanian boxing community in recent months, following the death of Abbasi Mselem in November 2024. Mselem also succumbed to injuries after being knocked out n Zanzibar.
