Former two-weight champ Dingaan Thobela passes away in Johannesburg

Popular former two-weight world champion Dingaan Thobela passed away at the age of 57 in his Johannesburg apartment on Monday following a spate of illness.

Thobela turned pro in 1986 and quickly became a crowd favorite with his natural charisma and blistering hand speed. Exhibiting a laser-like jab backed by a devastating right, whether thrown straight or as an uppercut, he kept racking up the wins.

Known as the “Rose of Soweto” after the sprawling township he came from, there was always drama when he fought.