Renowned Namibian boxing promoter Nestor Tobias, a former professional boxer, has paid a heartwarming tribute to his good friend, brother and colleague Dingaan Thobela.
Tobias, who fought most of his boxing matches in South Africa, quit in 1996 and went back home to start his MTC Nestor Tobias Sunshine Boxing Academy, which also promotes boxing matches.
Tobias and Thobela remained close friends until “The Rose of Soweto” died on Monday. In fact, Thobela was supposed to have attended Tobias' tournament that took place last weekend, but poor health prevented him from going to Namibia, which had become his second home.
Namibian President Hage Geingob, who died at the age of 82 in February, dined with Thobela, yours truly and Tobias at his house in 2007 when Tobias had an international tournament at the Windhoek Country Club. Several South Africans including Pius “Mr Hercules” Dipheko fought in that tournament.
Being dined by Geingob was proof of how much people respected the humble and well-mannered Sowetan who touched hearts, especially the poor, by burying their late loved ones free of charge when his Rose Funeral Services was doing well.
“I met Dingaan at Portuguese Hall in Johannesburg during the SA Amateur Championship,” says Tobias. “Our paths crossed again in Johannesburg when myself and Harry Simon were working towards getting our boxing licences in 1992.
“That is where I also had the pleasure of meeting Dingaan's coach Norman Hlabane.
“Our true friendship began in 1993 when Dingaan invited us to Sun City for his second fight against Tony Lopez.”
Thobela dethroned Lopez as the WBA lightweight champion in 1993. Thobela had been robbed in their first fight in Sacramento, US, the same year. That dubious decision forced the rematch, and the Rose of Soweto bloomed.
“To me Dingaan was the No 1 fighter in Africa; not only was he a good fighter, but he was also a three-time world champion, claiming the WBO and WBA lightweight titles and the WBC super middleweight belt,” he said.
''Dingaan was always a vibrant individual, funny, friendly and eager to be involved in any boxing-related activity.
— Namibian boxing promoter Nestor Tobias
“Dingaan was always a vibrant individual, funny, friendly and eager to be involved in any boxing-related activity.
“His connection with Namibia ran deeper. He even fought under a Namibian boxing licence in Canada, where he showed his love to Namibia.”
Tobias says they trained together when Thobela was preparing for his fight against Tony Lopez in the US.
“Despite his evident talent and experience as a professional boxer, we enjoyed sparring together,” said Tobias.
“Dingaan was an integral part of the MTC Academy from the very beginning. I appointed him as a board member due to his expansive knowledge of the sport.
“He played a pivotal role in helping us establish connections with top promoters in the world and was responsible for introducing Harry Simon to Brian Mitchell, who guided Harry to becoming a WBO champion.”
Tobias said Thobela's loss is felt deeply by Namibians and the world.
“Upon hearing of his passing, I was overcome with sadness. May his soul rest in peace knowing that his extraordinary impact on the boxing world and the lives he touched will never be forgotten.”
Thobela will be laid to rest next week.
