Tributes are pouring in for boxing legend Dingaan Thobela, who has passed away, aged 57.
According to reports, he was found dead in his apartment in Mayfair in Johannesburg on Monday.
The 57-year-old boxer’s family had reportedly contacted the police after they could not get hold of him.
Thobela, also known as the Rose of Soweto, reportedly had struggled with health problems recently.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, has expressed his sadness at Thobela’s passing.
“Dingaan ‘The Rose of Soweto’ Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the hearts and soul of the nation. The Rose of Soweto progressed from a prolific amateur boxer to become a three-time world champion as a professional.”
In a professional career which spanned from 1986 until 2006, Thobela won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight, and World Boxing Council (WBC) super-middleweight titles.
The Rose of Soweto was also a recipient of the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award.
Kodwa added, “Thobela fought in some of the most memorable bouts, such as the fights against Tony Lopez for the WBA lightweight title and against Glenn Catley to win the WBC super-middleweight title. Through his success and popularity, Thobela was one of the world’s standout fighters in a golden period of South African boxing.”
“As we celebrate 30 years of South African democracy, we mourn the loss of an athlete who did so much to elevate South African sport through his success in boxing. We also celebrate a champion boxer who inspired the nation, future boxers and champions from Soweto, Mdantsane, Thohoyandou, and other parts of the country.”
After retiring from professional boxing, Thobela had been involved in various endeavors, including coaching and promoting boxing events.
Dingaan ‘The Rose of Soweto’ Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the hearts and soul of the nation. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My thoughts are with the Thobela family and the South African boxing fraternity. #RIPDingaanThobela@CyrilRamaphosa @SportArtsCultur pic.twitter.com/mqYyvChJSH
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) April 30, 2024
Good morning South Africa.
Saddened to hear about the passing of #TheRoseOfSoweto
With a heavy heart, condolences to the family and let the memories of Dingaan Thobela bring comfort.
May your soul rest in peace #RIPDingaanThobela the legend
pic.twitter.com/z1AjVFlrTI
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 30, 2024
South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela has died at the age of 57 after a battle with illness.
At the height of his success in the early 90s, The Rose of Soweto held world titles in two weight classes. Thobela claimed 40 wins from 56 fights, 26 of which were knockouts.… pic.twitter.com/FeeDdRgCUJ
— SuperSport
(@SuperSportTV) April 29, 2024
South African professional boxer Kevin Lerena also paid tribute to Thobela:
Rest in peace to South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela
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
pic.twitter.com/G4l2Dp97fR
— Kevin Lerena (@Kevlerenaboxing) April 30, 2024
In one of his legendary fights, in September 2000, Thobela won the WBC super middleweight world title. Watch below:
