Olympics icon pulls out of professional boxing debut after health scare and is ‘undergoing further tests’
CINDY NGAMBA has been pulled from her eagerly anticipated professional debut due to a medical “issue”.
The Olympian was set to make her professional bow on the undercard of Natasha Jonas’ unfied light-middleweight title defence against Lauren Price at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday night.
But doctors have pulled the Cameroonian from the card after discovering an “issue” during her pre-fight screening.
A Boxxer statement read: “Cindy Ngamba will not be making her professional debut on Friday night after a pre-fight medical examination revealed an issue requiring further medical attention.
“The health and safety of fighters remains the highest priority.
“And Cindy will undergo further tests in the coming days.”
Boxing fans took to X to discuss their dismay at the cancellation of Ngamba’s clash with Kirstie Bavington.
One wrote: “Hope it’s nothing serious.
“Far too many scares in boxing to be taking the risk now.”
Another said: “Hopefully, Ngamba makes a speedy recovery and the fight can be rearranged.”
And another said: “Don’t know about you lot but that’s my friday ruined!”
One remarked: “Not an ideal start to a pro career on the eve of her debut.
“Hopefully, nothing too serious.”
Ngamba’s debut was one of the most anticipated fights on the historic all-female card at the Albert Hall.
The 26-year-old, who has called the UK home since she was 11, competed at the 2024 Olympics in Paris – representing the Refugee Olympic Team.
And she became the first winner of a medal for the team when she took home a bronze in the Under-75 kg category.
Ngamba – who was ineligible to compete for Team GB despite training with the team – bravely came out as a lesbian in 2017.
Her public declaration of her sexuality means she risks imprisonment if she returns to Cameroon, where homosexuality is illegal.
She revealed: “You can be killed, beaten up or put in prison. I can’t go back.”