Former world boxing champion Dingaan Thobela was found dead in Johannesburg on Monday aged 57 after suffering ill health, a family member told AFP.
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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
"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
Saddened to hear of the passing of Dingaan “The Rose of Soweto” Thobela. A true champion who put South Africa on the map. 🕊️ #RIPDingaanThobela pic.twitter.com/D3WgnlgvQL
— Phumlani Dube (@PhumlaniDube) April 29, 2024
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 Organisation lightweight title in 1990, the World Boxing Association lightweight crown three years later and the World Boxing Council super-middleweight title in 2000.