South African former world boxing champion Thobela dies
Known as the 'Rose of Soweto', he boxed professionally for 16 years from 1990 and claimed three world titles in two weight divisions.
FILE: Dingaan "The Rose of Soweto" Thobela (R) backs his opponent Gary Murray at the Carousel north of Pretoria on 08 October 1997. Picture: WALTER DHLADHLA / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Former world boxing champion Dingaan Thobela was found dead in Johannesburg on Monday aged 57 after suffering ill health, a family member told AFP.
"When mobile phone calls to him went unanswered, we came to his flat, gained entry and discovered he had died," said a spokesperson, who requested anonymity.
Known as the 'Rose of Soweto', he boxed professionally for 16 years from 1990 and claimed three world titles in two weight divisions.
Thobela won the World Boxing Organization lightweight title in 1990, the World Boxing Association lightweight crown three years later and the World Boxing Council super-middleweight title in 2000.
BREAKING: Former boxing champion Dingaan Thobela, popularly known as the "Rose of Soweto," has passed away at the age of 57. Thobela, a celebrated figure in South African sports, was discovered lifeless in his Johannesburg residence following a period of illness. pic.twitter.com/x01W3mSNVN
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 29, 2024