Two-weight world champion Dingaan Thobela dies at just 57

South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela has died 

South Africa and the boxing world is in mourning following the death of three-time, two-weight boxing champion Dingaan Thobela (40-14-2, 26KO), aged just 57.

The man who stopped traffic nationwide and was the epicenter of celebrations in the townships, was tragically found in his apartment in the Mayfair area of Johannesburg by friends and relatives. He had been in poor health for some time.

Known, famed, respected, admired and loved as ”The Rose of Soweto”, Dingaan was born in its Chiawelo district, grew up there in poverty, but under the watchful eye of his Grandma, as he was the apple of her eye. 

As the saying goes: "A person is a person, because of another person.” Following a very creditable amateur career, compiling an 80-3 record, Dingaan turned pro and built a fabulous career spanning 1986 to 2006. 

He won the WBO lightweight crown and then the WBA version on his second attempt. The first time he contested it, he lost on a hotly disputed decision. Undeterred, he persisted until he triumphed again. So typical of the man.

Unable to make the weight any more, Dingaan's career languished and went into the doldrums. The only person who was undaunted and refused to be downcast, give up and retire, was the man himself. He believed! 

In 2000, Dingaan made a comeback to win the WBC super-middleweight crown from Britain's Glen Catley with a 12th round KO. A glorious turnup for the books and a remarkable comeback from the man who'd been widely written off, but steadfastly refused to be counted out.

When a person dies before their time, there are those who say, what if, or if only? 57 is far too young to leave this world, but the impact that this extraordinary man made will never be forgotten. 

A poor, skinny boy from Soweto bestrode the world three times like a lion, in two weight categories. His death came just days after South Africa celebrated the 30th anniversary of the end of the apartheid.

The entire World Boxing Council Family and their President Mauricio Sulaiman Saldivar, came together to send ther deepest condolences to the family and so many friends of Dingaan Thobela.

Global Boxing News woulda lso like to extend their deepest condolences to all family, friends and acquaintances affected by this sad, untimely passing.