LONDON — Cindy Ngamba, who clinched a bronze medal in boxing at the Olympics, expressed her disappointment upon learning she will not make her professional debut this Friday. Her promoter announced that she has been withdrawn from the bout due to a medical issue that requires further examination.
Ngamba was originally scheduled to compete against Kirstie Bavington in a super welterweight match. This fight was part of an all-women’s event that was to be highlighted by the welterweight world title unification fight between Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price at the renowned Royal Albert Hall.
Boxxer, the promoting company, released a statement on Thursday explaining the decision. “Cindy Ngamba will not be able to make her professional debut on Friday night following a medical exam that identified an issue needing additional investigation. Fighter health and safety is our utmost concern, and Cindy will undergo further medical tests in the upcoming days.”
Ngamba made history at the Paris Olympics as the first athlete competing as a refugee to win a medal, securing a bronze in the middleweight division. At 26 years old, she hails from Cameroon but has resided in Britain for the last 15 years.
“I’m really disappointed that I can’t have my professional debut this Friday,” Ngamba expressed in a statement on her social media platforms. “I had exerted a lot of effort to achieve great physical condition and was eagerly anticipating boxing at the Royal Albert Hall.”
In an Instagram post, Ngamba extended gratitude to “everyone who has assisted and supported me in gearing up for this fight.”
Boxxer did not provide additional details when requested.
