MILESTONE

The sporting world mourns the demise of Philip Waruinge probably one of the best boxers the continent has ever produced.

Waruinge, 77, died in his sleep on the evening of Wednesday 19 October 2022. Waruinge turned professional in 1973 as a super bantamweight and had limited success

He fought largely in Japan. In 1976 Waruinge landed a shot at WBC Bantamweight titleholder Carlos Zarate. Waruinge was outclassed and was knocked out in the fourth round

He retired after a loss two years later having competed in 25 professional bouts. He won 14, lost 10, and drew 1.

Boxing Federation of Kenya First Vice-chairperson, Isaac Mbote said Waruinge, who started his boxing career in the late 1960s at the historic Madison Square Garden in Nakuru, had been sick.

“He has been in and out of the hospital but his conditioned worsened recently,” said Mbote.

“Waruinge was a legend. He was one of the finest boxers that Kenya has ever produced.”

Retired boxing referee Joseph “Don King” Mwangi Muthoga eulogised Waruinge as a role model.

Philip Mainge, who started his boxing career together with Waruinge at Madison Square, said: “It is unfortunate Kenya has a lost a legend who died as a poor man despite the glory he brought to the country.”

Kitengela Biznet condoles with the family and forwards the history of this great man as he appeared in the press of 1975.
RIP Champ.They don’t make them like you anymore.

Philip Waruinge at the far right