Kenya’s legendary boxer Dick ‘Tiger’ Murunga is dead

Kenya’s legendary boxer Richard ‘Tiger’ Murunga is dead [Courtesy]

Dick 'Tiger' Murunga, Kenya’s iconic boxer is dead.

Murunga (65), the founder of Kenya Professional Boxing Association passed on on Friday, October 26 while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital after developing a short illness.

Dick 'Tiger' Murunga [Courtesy]

Here is a statement sent to newsrooms by Murunga’s Family Spokesperson:

It is with great sadness that we the Murunga Family announce that the 1972 Munich Olympic Games Bronze Medalist,1973 African Welterweight Champion and Kenya Professional boxing Association founder Dick 'Tiger' Murunga is dead.

Dad who was a left-handed boxer passed on yesterday afternoon,26th October 2018, while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital after a short illness.

At the time of death, Dad was confined to a wheelchair following a Spinal injury in March of 2002 sustained during training at a Hotel gym in Mombasa. He had retired from the sport 4 years earlier but was recalled by boxing administrators to return to retired professional boxing in New York.

Dad was among the Sports retired personalities awarded during the inaugural National Olympic Committee Gala. We are now urging H E President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Kenyan Government, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya , Sports Cabinet Secretary  Rashid Echesa and all Sports stakeholders to stand with us in this time of need and help us appreciate and recognise the role our dear departed Father played in proudly putting our beautiful Country Kenya on the global professional boxing map.

He is survived by his Wife, children and grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are ongoing.

Regards,

Family Spokesman,

Mohammed Murunga (Son)

Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) chair Reuben Ndolo mourned the legendary boxer, lauding his contribution to the country.

“We have lost a legend and I wish we could have done more for him as a country," said Ndolo.