Former Kenyan Cruiserweight

John Odhiambo Found Dead In Copenhagen!

(June 10th) John Odhiambo, the 70-year-old former world-class Kenyan cruiserweight boxer, has been found dead in Copenhagen after going missing approximately one month ago. Odhiambo had been in poor health before his disappearance, according to reports from Danish authorities and boxing sources.

Odhiambo, born August 15, 1955, in Kitale, Kenya, built a distinguished professional career in the cruiserweight division during the 1980s. His only defeat came in a 15-round world title bout against Osvaldo Ocasio for the WBA cruiserweight title, fought in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, in 1984, where Ocasio retained the title by KO in round 15.

The loss to Ocasio remains Odhiambo's most notable fight and cemented his reputation as a competitive international-level cruiserweight who reached the world stage. Boxing forums and historical records describe him as "a good fighter, but short of being great," acknowledging his solid career while recognizing he did not capture a world title.

Odhiambo had been missing from Amager, Copenhagen since late May 2026. His family publicly expressed concern, noting he lived with dementia and was in danger without proper care. Danish authorities confirmed his death on June 9, 2026, though the exact cause has not been publicly disclosed.

"This is a somber end for a boxer who represented Kenya with pride on the international stage," said a statement from the Kenyan Boxing Community. "John Odhiambo fought his way from a small village to become the only person from his village to earn a passport and travel abroad, reaching a world title fight in Puerto Rico".

He is remembered as the first boxer to win a Boxing medal for Kenya in some accounts, though details on amateur achievements remain limited in available records. Odhiambo also boxed in the Germany Bundesliga during the 1970s and 1980s alongside other legendary African boxers.

John Odhiambo was a Kenyan professional cruiserweight boxer who competed during the 1980s. He compiled an impressive professional record of 24 wins, 1 loss, and no draws, with 14 victories coming by knockout. Odhiambo is best remembered for challenging Osvaldo Ocasio for the world cruiserweight title in 1984.

During his career, he recorded notable victories over Tom Collins, Bunny Johnson, Eddie Gonzalez, Avenemar Peralta, and former world champion Marvin Camel.

Odhiambo passed away in Copenhagen in June 2026 at the age of 70. No further details on funeral arrangements or a memorial service have been announced at this time.