South Africa is reeling from the tragic death of Zolani Tete, a two-time world boxing champion, outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Friday. The 38-year-old was fatally shot in what authorities are calling an ambush, marking a devastating blow to the sport and the community of South Africa.
Tete was in his car, waiting for the gate to his residence to open, when two armed suspects emerged from a vehicle. According to officials, the suspects fired multiple shots at him and a 27-year-old passenger, identified as the female recipient of the shots, who remains hospitalized. The incident was quickly followed by a major investigation launched by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who stated, ‘South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced.’
Tete, renowned for his impressive career, held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019, and the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014. He also boasts a remarkable record, including a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a title fight, ending his match with Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds in 2017. His career was marked by significant victories, including a 1-1 loss to Paul Butler in a UK bout in 2015 and a victory against Liverpool’s Paul Butler in the United Kingdom, a record eight times he fought.
He also faced challenges in the world of professional boxing, having lost to Jason Cunningham in a fight in London in July 2022, but the fight was later ruled a no-contest due to a failed drug test. The news came as a shock to the boxing community.
Tete’s last fight was in July 2022, where he defeated Briton Jason Cunningham by a knockout in London, but the fight was later marred by a failed drug test, leading to a four-year ban from the UK Anti-Doping Agency. The ban ended on July 29, 2026, and following his death, manager Mla Tengimfene confirmed he had been training for a return to the ring. Tete had 29 wins in 34 fights, with four losses and one no-contest.
Japanese fighter Naoya Inoue stated that Tete was a ‘wonderful boxer’. ‘I hope the world is peaceful. And please, rest in peace,’ Inoue said, expressing his sorrow over Tete’s passing. John Riel Casimero, who took the WBO bantamweight belt from Tete in November 2019, described the death as ‘shocked’ and ‘heartbroken.’ He continued, ‘We shared the canvas and pushed each other to be our absolute best inside the squared ring. A true warrior and champion. Rest in peace, champ.’
Tete’s manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, confirmed that he had been preparing for a return to the ring on November 29th. He explained that Tete’s death was a ‘devastating time’ for the boxing community.
Sanctioning body the WBO mourned Tete’s passing, stating that the organization ‘extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and the entire South African boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.’
The news was reported by Adom Sports, highlighting the significant loss to the nation and the continued impact of Tete’s legacy within the sport.
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Source: Adom Sports
