Legendary Peter Mathebula, godfather of SA's boxing, dies
National boxing is reeling after Peter Mathebula, the first South African black man to win a boxing world title, died after a long illness in Mohlakeng, Randfontein on Saturday.
Mathebula, 67, affectionately known as “Bra Terror” has battled with sickness for a while, making several trips in and out of hospital.
His daughter Thembi Mathebula said her father was first admitted in hospital in November before he was discharged to spend December with his family. “But in January we could see his condition was getting worse so we sent him back to hospital where he passed away after three weeks,” she said.
Mathebula’s death sent shock waves through the entire boxing fraternity with Boxing SA CEO Tsholofelo Lejaka describing it as a sad moment for the sport.
“The legend has gone; long live the legend,” Lejaka said.
“Not only was Bra Terror a trailblazer but he was a gentleman of the sport through and through. He is one of the people who played a big part in shaping our boxing as he led it to its first international recognition when he became the first black South African to win a boxing world title.”
Mathebula made history when he dethroned Tae-Shik Kim of Korea for the WBA flyweight title in Los Angeles, US in December 1980. His win was a big punch for black boxing especially at a time when apartheid was at its peak.
Fame, however, got the better of him as he could not handle the out of the ring influences.
It was no surprise that he surrendered his title to Argentina’s Santos Laciar in Orlando Stadium in his first title defence four months later. The loss sparked a downward spiral for Mathebula’s career, as he lost back-toback bouts to Venezuelan Betulio Gonzalez until he finally threw in the towel two years later with a record of 36 wins in 45 fights with just nine losses.
Mathebula has been a regular feature at boxing events being honoured with numerous accolades.
His funeral arrangements have yet to be decided.