Kevin Lerena with Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela. Photo: X
RIP: Tributes pour in for Dingaan ‘Rose of Soweto’ Thobela
Tributes have poured in following the untimely passing of former SA boxing world champion Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela.
Kevin Lerena with Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela. Photo: X
On Monday, sad news came to light that former SA boxing world champion Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela had been found dead at the age of 57.
His childhood friend Eddie Mutungutungu confirmed the death of Thobela, telling the Sowetan: “He was strangely unavailable on his mobile, and his family, accompanied by police, managed to gain access to his place of residence and found he had passed on.”
DINGAAN THOBELA WAS A TRAILBLAZER IN THE SPORT
Thobela was one of the greatest boxers ever produced by South Africa, having held the WBO lightweight title from 1990 to 1992, the WBA lightweight in 1993, and the WBC super-middleweight title in 2000.
Over the course of his career, he claimed 40 wins from 56 fights, 26 of which were knockouts.
Thobela was renowned for his resilience and skill inside the ring, and tributes have poured in from across the sports community after the news of his death came to light.
A boxing icon
Thobela began his professional career in 1986, quickly amassing an impressive record with slick punching and knockout power. He racked up 25 victories in his first five years, establishing himself as a major force in the lightweight division.
Thobela’s talent extended beyond South Africa’s borders. In the early 1990s, he captured world titles in two different weight classes, the WBO lightweight title and the WBA lightweight title. He continued to fight throughout the decade, even mentioning a possible move to heavyweight, although this never materialised.
Thobela’s career wasn’t without setbacks. He faced some losses later on and eventually retired in 2006. Despite these, Dingaan Thobela’s legacy as a world champion and a charismatic athlete remains a source of pride in South Africa, particularly his hometown of Soweto.
