Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela, the beloved former boxing world champion hailing from Chiawelo, Soweto, was discovered lifeless in his Mayfair, Johannesburg apartment on Monday evening, as reported by Times LIVE.
The 57-year-old Thobela, born Dingaan Bongane Thobela, had been battling illness prior to his passing. Childhood friend Eddie Mutungutungu confirmed the sad news, revealing that numerous attempts to reach Thobela via phone had failed, leading his family, along with authorities, to investigate further, ultimately discovering his passing.
Thobela’s declining health had prevented him from attending a recent Boxing SA symposium in Parktown, hosted at the Arena Holdings offices, underscoring the severity of his condition.
Throughout his illustrious career, Thobela secured three world titles across two weight divisions, marking his early success with the WBO and WBA lightweight belts under the tutelage of veteran trainer Norman Hlabane. However, it was his crowning achievement in September 2000 that solidified his legacy when he clinched the prestigious WBC super middleweight belt with a 12th-round stoppage victory over defending champion Glen Catley at Carnival City in Brakpan, with trainer Elias Tshabalala in his corner.
Despite personal struggles, including his separation from common-law wife Sandra, Thobela’s impact transcended colour lines, garnering unwavering support from South Africans nationwide. His victories on the international stage often sparked jubilant celebrations that brought communities to a standstill.
Thobela’s passing comes just weeks after the untimely death of Joseph Makaringe, the former SA welterweight champion, further mourning the loss of two iconic figures within the boxing community.
