International boxer Dick Felix is dead

Former Kenyan boxer Dick Felix. [Courtesy]

Former international light flyweight champion Dick Felix is dead.

Felix was born of a Goan father Anthony Gregory D'Souza and a Kenyan mother Joyce Njeri D'Souza, who have all passed away.

Felix, who was in his mid-sixties, died in his sleep at his Ongata Rongai house in Kajiado County, from what was said to be a cardiac arrest, according to a close friend, Sammy Kihumba.

He (Felix) competed alongside Kihumba's elder brother Felix Maina, who represented Kenya in the 1972 Munich Olympics in Germany same as Philip Waruinge, who won a silver medal in featherweight in the Munich games.

Felix's top moments were in the East and Central Africa Boxing Championships, in the early 70s.

Felix, who is a product of the late South African tactician Eddy 'Papa' Musi, started his boxing career at the Bangladesh Boxing Club in Nairobi.

He joined the likes of 1973 All African Games featherweight gold medallist George Oduori, Boxing Federation of Kenya Technical Director Albert Matito and the 1972 Munich Olympics flyweight boxer, Isaac Maina.

"He looked sound and we were shocked only to wake up the following day and find out he's no more", said Felix's sister D''Souza.

He leaves behind a widow and five children. Felix was among veteran Kenyan international boxers, who brought glory to the country.

Others are Waruinge and the 1978 World Boxing Championships flyweight gold medallist, Steve Muchoki.

His body was transferred to Umash Funeral Home in Nairobi awaiting burial on Wednesday next week at Lang'ata Cemetery. His funeral budget is Sh235,000.

"We seek your support to enable us accord him a befitting send off. Our tentative budget is Sh235,000," the burial committee said.