Condolences pour in as the country mourn the death of former world boxing champion, Dingaan Thobela, aged 57. He affectionately known as “The Rose of Soweto”.
Thobela was found dead at his Mayfair flat in Johannesburg on Monday evening after not been well for some time.
It was reported that Dingaan’s family had been trying to contact him without luck and resolved to going to his place to check on him accompanied by police where they unfortunately found him deceased.
Thobela who was from Chiawelo, Soweto held three world championships titles. The first two being the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight belt in the lightweight divisions.
He then won the World Boxing Championship (WBC) super-middleweight belt after a thrilling 12 round against the defending champion Glen Catley at Carnival City in Brakpan.
Thobela’s boxing career records 56 fights. He won 40 times, was defeated 14 times, and drew twice. His contribution to Boxing in South Africa paved a way for young aspiring boxers.
He is survived by his former wife and two kids.