Tributes have poured in after the news that legendary South African boxer Dingaan "Rose of Soweto" Thobela has died at the age of 57.
The entire country was in a state of shock when they learnt of the news of South African legendary boxer Dingaan Thobela, affectionately known as the “Rose of Soweto” has passed away.
The news was confirmed Monday evening by a Boxing SA representative.
Thobela’s passing saw several sports personalities and pundits paying tribute to a legend of SA boxing.
Decorated boxer, Kevin Lerena paid tribute by citing Thobela as an inspiration during his own career.
“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,” Lerena said.
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
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 title in 1993, and the WBC super-middleweight title in 2000.
Throughout his career, he has a record of 40 wins from 56 fights, 26 of which were knockouts.
South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela has died at the age of 57 after a battle with illness.
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 29, 2024
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
I’m totally devastated, shattered and lost for words to hear about the passing of a life hero and friend, Dingaan Thobela. Rest in eternal peace my friend. My deepest condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/nJnoYq2CkU
— Lovemore Ndou (@LovemoreNdou) April 30, 2024
Growing up an only child living with only my Grandmother, the Elders in my village would call me Dingaan Thobela because I constantly had to fight off bullies who knew I had no one else to defend me. Rest is peace my goat, you inspired my growth #RIPDingaanThobela pic.twitter.com/GPy5BMRMp0
— Mr Makgoba🗯🇿🇦 (@breezymak) April 30, 2024
Thobela began his professional career in 1986 and went on to quickly amass an impressive record possessing a lethal combination of slick punching and knockout power inside the ring.
He racked up 25 victories in his first five years as a professional boxer, quickly establishing himself as a major force in the lightweight division.
An ageing Thobela suffered agonising defeats later on in his career and eventually retired in 2006.
Despite that, Thobela’s legacy is cemented as a world champion and charismatic athlete who remains a source of pride in South Africa, particularly his hometown of Soweto.
