Celebrated boxing legend, coach, and founder of Ruaraka Boxing Club (RBC), John Gicharu, known as ‘Jonte,’ has died at the age of 44. The Kenya Boxing Federation (KBF) confirmed the news of his death.
According to a statement from KBF, Gicharu passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Dandora Phase Two Hospital while receiving treatment for a short illness. “The boxing fraternity has lost an icon, who passed on yesterday at Dandora Phase Two Hospital. John ‘Jonte’ Gicharu was the greatest community boxing coach of all time! Former amateur then turned professional boxer and served as Head Coach of Ruaraka Boxing Club until his demise,” the statement read.
Gicharu founded the Ruaraka Boxing Club in 2015 to nurture the talent of youth in the Korogocho slum after retiring from professional boxing with a record of 15 wins (7 KOs), 10 losses, and two draws. His club produced several notable boxers, including Brian Omondi, Cavel Kusimba, Rohit Muluku, and Chrispine Ochanda.
Gicharu was dedicated to helping youth avoid idleness, drug abuse, and criminal gangs while emphasizing the importance of education. He himself did not attend high school after completing primary education at Ngunyuma Primary School in 1996 and later became a garbage collector.
Gicharu began his boxing career in 1999 at Bangladesh Boxing Club in Kariobangi under coach Ben Addoh. After just three months, he had his first fight and won on points against journalist Muraya Kariuki. He turned professional in 2005 while training at Palpal Gym in Pumwani Social Hall and, in 2007, won the national Featherweight title by defeating Musa Njue at Charter Hall under coach Kevin Mulama.
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