Boxing's 'Terror' to be honoured in his hometown
Champion Mathebula’s contribution to boxing receives recognition
Unsung hero Peter “Terror” Mathebula – the first black South African boxer in history to win a world title – will be honoured with an international professional tournament right at the doorstep of his home in Mohlakeng, Randfontein, on Sunday.
This is thanks to female promoter Shanell Winlock whose Victory Sports will stage eight bouts at Ramosa Hall, which is two streets away from Mathebula’s house.
Attempts to get a comment from Mathebula were futile because the 65-year-old former South African flyweight champion has a serious hearing problem.
Said Winlock: “We will help him financially. He’s been fundamental in boxing. It is good to honour our people while they are still alive. Probably, the youth of today do not know who this man is, so with this tournament we hope that local people will come in big numbers. Even those who are not aware of his achievements will get to know the man better.”
Mathebula reigned as the first black South African to hold a world championship for 15 months. Virtually all sides in this starkly divided country, with the exception of a fringe of black political activists, were ready to claim him proudly as their own.
When Mathebula won the World Boxing Association’s flyweight title from South Korean Tae Shik Kim in Los Angeles on December 13 1980, even the Afrikaans-language press was proclaiming him excitedly: “Ons Wereldkampioen! (Our World Champion!)”
There was some question whether, under the country’s laws, Mathebula was a South African. He is of Tswana tribal origins and, with the supposed independence of the Tswana homeland – known as Bophuthatswana – all Tswanas were theoretically shorn of their citizenship, even though they continued to live in SA.
But Mathebula said he regarded himself a South African, and the government gave him a South African passport.
Mathebula lost the WBA title in his first defence to Argentinian Santos Laciar at Orlando Stadium on March 28 1981. He retired in 1983 after defeating Jacob “Killer” Molefe on August 12 1983. Mathebula had an impressive fight record of 36 wins, 17 knockouts, and nine losses.
Winlock said current IBO flyweight holder Moruti “Baby Face” Mthalane will top the bill on Sunday with a non-title 10-rounder against Isaac Quaye, while ABU Sadac bantamweight champion Ronald “King” Malindi will face Mfundise Ngema, also in a non-title eight-rounder in the main supporting bout.
Mthalane is trained by Colin Nathan while Malindi is under the guidance of trainer Bernie Pailman. Rising stars Khayalethu Mbeje and Lebogang Mapitse will fight for the vacant Gauteng junior bantamweight title.
Action will begin at 2pm.