Mawande Mateza7 May 2024 | 12:17

Late Dingaan Thobela remembered as an icon of SA boxing at memorial service

Friends and family gathered at Hill on Empire in Parktown on Tuesday afternoon for his memorial service.

Late Dingaan Thobela remembered as an icon of SA boxing at memorial service

A memorial service for former three-time boxing world champion, Dingaan Thobela, was held at at Hill on Empire in Parktown, Johannesburg on 7 May 2024. Picture: Mawande Mateza/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - Former three-time boxing world champion, Dingaan Thobela, has been remembered as an icon of the sporting code and a symbol of unity at his memorial service. 

The Rose of Soweto, as he was popularly known, was found dead in his apartment in Mayfair, Johannesburg last Monday. 

Friends and family gathered at Hill on Empire in Parktown on Tuesday afternoon for his memorial service.

South African boxing royalty joined Thobela's friends and family to remember the Rose of Soweto and celebrate his life. 

Multi-world champions Brian Mitchell and Cassius Baloyi were among those in attendance to pay tribute to Thobela, who died at the age 57, after struggling with his health. 

 

Long-time promoter and business associate, Rodney Berman, described Thobela as a figure that transcended racial barriers.

Berman said that the champ should be remembered as a great fighter and a modest human being. 

Berman has vowed to honour Thobela's memory with an event and a prize named after him.