'Among SA's all-time best': Tributes pour in after death of former SA boxing champ Dingaan Thobela

Tributes have poured in from the South African sports community after the death of legendary boxer Dingaan Thobela.

Thobela, known to his fans as the 'Rose of Soweto', died aged 57 on Monday. A Boxing SA representative confirmed his death to News24 on Monday evening. 

Pundits and sports personalities paid tribute to Thobela, with social media platform X abuzz upon hearing the news.

South African professional boxer Kevin Lerena thanked Thobela for being an "inspiration and motivation" on his own career.

"Rest in peace to South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela. Your talent and determination in the ring will never be forgotten. You always supported me and believed in my abilities, pushing me to reach my fullest potential. Thank you for your inspiration and motivation, Champ," Lerena wrote.

Rest in peace to South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela ?? Your talent and determination in the ring will never be forgotten. You always supported me and believed in my abilities, pushing me to reach my fullest potential.Thank you for your inspiration and motivation, Champ??? pic.twitter.com/G4l2Dp97fR

Clinton van der Berg, a representative for SuperSport and boxing guru, said Thobela ranked among South Africa's "all-time best" boxers.

The great Dingaan Thobela gone far too soon. Aged 57, he ranks among SA's all-time best. Winning a world championship at lightweight, then moving through 5 divisions to win one at super middleweight, just staggering. His battle with the scales legendary, but a supreme human. RIP.

Renowned cricket coach Dave Nosworthy, an avid boxing fan, described Thobela as "a tactician of note with a real heart".

RIP ????? #DingaanThobela ??So very sad to hear that this #legend has passed away. Grew up watching “The Rose