OBITUARY: Sinethemba Magibisela

Respected Ilitha pugilist will be missed by many

THE spate of death by stabbing of boxers has overshadowed the celebration of Sinethemba Magibisela, who is the latest victim of the barbaric act.

Magibisela, 29, died after he was allegedly stabbed to death by an unknown assailant in his Ilitha/Ndevana home a day after beating Mbulelo Nxazonke in Willowvale.

Boxing SA Eastern Cape manager Phakamile Jacobs says he is busy arranging for the regulatory body to contribute towards the funeral costs.

“Although Magibisela did not die in the ring, we must acknowledge the fact that he was our licensee,” Jacobs said.

A memorial service was scheduled midweek but it fell through due to what was cited as the inability of boxing people to attend it in Ilitha, where Magibisela’s handlers wanted it to be held.

Despite the shenanigans over the death, Magibisela’s boxing prowess cannot not be underestimated, especially coming from a rural area of Ilitha.

He was one of the few successful boxers from the area, together with Mfusi Maxhayi, who is also a lefthander like his late homeboy.

The Ilitha village situated between King William’s Town and East London is one of the few rural areas which has consistently produced boxing personalities over the years.

Among them are Siphatho Handi, who is currently suspended as promoter, and Andile Champion Bakubaku, another promoter who has been keeping fires burning in the area by organising tournaments at the local community hall.

The area has also produced talented