South Africa and the world of boxing mourns the passing of the boxing champion Dingaan Thobela, affectionately referred to as the “Rose of Soweto”.
Thobela was reportedly found dead at his flat in Mayfair, Johannesburg on Monday evening after battling illness.
Thobela’s crowning moment came in 1990 when he clinched the WBO lightweight title, a feat that solidified his status as one of South Africa’s most celebrated athletes. His fighting style earned him the nickname “Rose of Soweto”.
Beyond his achievements in the ring, Thobela was a beloved figure in his community and a successful businessman.
Thobela’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, serving as a reminder of the power of determination, resilience, and the human spirit.
BGTN remembers Thobela for supporting our Master Box event in November 2023.
RIP “The Rose of Soweto”