In May, the iconic Wild Card Boxing Club marked its 30th anniversary – a gym that became synonymous with boxing greatness. It was here that Manny Pacquiao rose to global stardom, where Hollywood names like Mark Wahlberg and Mickey Rourke trained, and where Baba Sumaila – affectionately known simply as ‘Baba’ – worked side by side with legendary trainer Freddie Roach.
Sadly, Baba has passed away. The news was confirmed through an Instagram post from the gym, which shared a heartfelt tribute to him. Details surrounding his death, including when, where, and how it occurred, remain unclear. Not much is publicly known about Baba, but the somber farewell from Wild Card suggests he had been a long-standing and respected presence within the gym’s community.
The final goodbye from the place that