April 30th 2024.
One of South Africa's greatest boxing legends, Dingaan Thobela, passed away at the age of 57 after a long battle with illness. Thobela, also known as the "Rose of Soweto", was found dead in his flat in Johannesburg on Monday evening. His childhood friend, Eddie Mutungutungu, became concerned when he couldn't reach Thobela and with the help of police, they discovered that he had passed away.
Thobela's impressive career saw him win three world titles in two weight divisions. He claimed the WBO lightweight title in 1990 and the WBA lightweight belt in 1993 before going on to win the WBC super-middleweight title in 2000. With a record of 40 wins, 14 defeats, and two draws from 56 fights, Thobela retired from the sport in 2006.
Fellow South African boxer, Kevin Lerena, paid tribute to Thobela, thanking him for being an inspiration and motivation in his own career. "Rest in peace to South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela," Lerena wrote on social media. "Your talent and determination in the ring will never be forgotten. You always supported me and believed in my abilities, pushing me to reach my fullest potential. Thank you for your inspiration and motivation, Champ."
In a previous interview with Ring Magazine, Thobela opened up about his tough upbringing and how it shaped him into the fighter he became. "Soweto helped make me what I am today. I come from the tough ghetto," he said. "It was tough in the sense of poverty; we grew up with nothing. My mother abandoned me when I was only three months old, and my grandmother on my dad's side raised me. I was bullied by my elders, and boxing became my way of defending myself."
Thobela also credited his trainer, Norman Hlabane, for believing in him and helping him reach his full potential. "Norman had faith in me. He threw me into the amateur ranks," Thobela shared. "He wasn't always there, but he trained and prepared me, and then he would send me off with someone who would be in my corner. He saw my potential and how I handled myself against my opponents."
The boxing community mourns the loss of a true champion and legend, Dingaan Thobela. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of boxers in South Africa and beyond. Rest in peace, Champ.
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