04/06/2026
It is with profound sadness that Horsham Boxing Club announces the passing of a founder and long-standing coach, John Essex, who left us on Friday 29th May after battling cancer with the same courage and strength he instilled in every boxer who walked through our doors.
John's connection to this club spanned over 40 years, four decades of dedication, sacrifice, and belief in the power of boxing to change lives. He was there at the beginning, and his fingerprints are on everything the club is today.
He oversaw the club's move to its current home in Horsham Park, nurturing young talent from the age of 10 all the way through to the professional ranks. More recently, seeing one of our own crowned as a national amateur champion and go on to represent England.
Our thoughts at this time are with his family and we know the club is in good hands with his son Danny.
John, thank you. The club you built will carry your name and your honour in everything we do, in every bout, in every training session, and in every young person whose life is changed by stepping into this gym.
Rest easy. ๐ฅ
Horsham Boxing Club
