The boxing world mourns the loss of former world champion Dingaan Thobela, who was found deceased in Johannesburg on Monday at the age of 57.
Thobela’s passing follows a period of ill health, according to a family spokesperson.
“When mobile phone calls to him went unanswered, we came to his flat, gained entry and discovered he had died,” the spokesperson shared, opting to remain anonymous.
Known affectionately as the ‘Rose of Soweto’, Thobela had an illustrious career that spanned 16 years, beginning in 1990. Over the course of his time in the ring, he achieved remarkable success, securing three world titles across two weight divisions.
Thobela’s boxing journey began with a bang when he claimed the World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight title in 1990, followed by the World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight crown three years later.
However, his crowning achievement came in 2000 when he captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) super-middleweight title with a 12th-round stoppage victory over defending champion Glen Catley at Carnival City in Brakpan.
Eddie Mutungutungu, a childhood friend of Thobela’s, expressed shock at his passing, noting that repeated attempts to contact the former champion went unanswered before his family made the grim discovery.
Thobela’s health had prevented him from attending a recent boxing symposium hosted by Boxing SA, reflecting the challenges he faced in his final days.
Throughout his career, Thobela transcended racial boundaries in South Africa, earning widespread support and adulation. His triumphs, both in and out of the country, brought communities together in jubilation.
Thobela leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond the boxing ring. He was survived by his two children, Ntombi and Dingaan Thobela Junior, from his common-law marriage to Sandra.
The news of Thobela’s passing comes just weeks after the boxing community bid farewell to another stalwart, Joseph Makaringe, the former South African welterweight champion, who passed away after a brief illness.
As tributes pour in from around the world, Dingaan Thobela’s impact on South African boxing and his enduring spirit will be remembered by fans, fellow athletes, and admirers alike.
