Boxing world mourns the death of Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela

Former boxing world champion Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela has tragically passed away at his Johannesburg flat after battling illness.

The beloved boxer, hailing from Chiawelo, Soweto, was discovered dead in his Mayfair flat on Monday evening.

Confirming the news, Eddie Mutungutungu, Thobela’s childhood friend, shared, “He was strangely unavailable on his mobile, and his family, accompanied by the police, gained access to his residence and discovered that he had passed on.”

Thobela, born Dingaan Bongane Thobela 57 years ago, had been in poor health, which had prevented him from attending Boxing SA’s recent symposium.

Throughout his career, Thobela was a celebrated figure, holding three world titles in two-weight divisions.

One of his most remarkable victories was winning the prestigious WBC super middleweight belt in September 2000 with a 12th-round stoppage victory over Glen Catley.

His trainer Elias Tshabalala, reminiscing about their success, stated, “Dingaan was a dedicated and skilled boxer who brought pride and joy to many South Africans with his achievements in the ring. It is a great loss for the boxing community.”

Thobela’s victories extended beyond the sport, bringing people from all walks of life together to celebrate his triumphs. He leaves behind his children, Ntombi and Dingaan Thobela Junior, and a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.

The boxing world is mourning the loss of yet another legend, as Thobela’s passing comes close on the heels of the recent death of former SA welterweight champion Joseph Makaringe.

Also Read: Akani Simbine piles pressure on Noah Lyles and Chris Coleman ahead of Paris Olympics