South Africa is home to some of the best boxers in the world. From the legendary “Smokin” Joe Louis to more recent stars like Isaac Hlatshwayo and Thulani Mbenge, South African boxers have made a name for themselves in the international boxing scene.
These boxers have competed and won titles in numerous weight classes such as featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight.
South African boxers have made their mark in the boxing world, winning world championships, Olympic medals and setting records. This article highlights some of the best boxing players in South Africa.
1. Gerrie Coetzee
Gerhardus Christian Coetzee was a remarkable athlete who made history in the boxing world. Born and raised in South Africa, Coetzee was a professional boxer from 1974 to 1986, and again in 1993 and 1997.
His career was marked by a huge milestone when he became the first African ever to fight for, and win a world heavyweight championship.
In 1983, Coetzee won the WBA title and held onto it until 1984, making him the first African boxer to ever make such an impressive achievement. Coetzee was able to use his boxing skills to break down barriers and pave the way for future African boxers to make a name for themselves in the sport.
His impressive career and dedication to the sport opened up many opportunities for the African community and showed the world that African boxers could compete with the best of them.
Coetzee’s legacy will continue to inspire African boxers of all generations and serve as an example of what can be achieved when you put in the hard work and dedication.
2. Corrie Sanders
Cornelius Johannes Sanders was a South African professional boxer who competed from 1989 to 2008. With a career spanning almost two decades, Sanders is most known for his major upset in 2003.
He won the WBO heavyweight title that year by knocking out Wladimir Klitschko in just two rounds, a feat which shocked the boxing world. The Ring magazine named it the Upset of the Year, in acknowledgement of Sanders’ remarkable achievement.
This win was considered one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxing history, and Sanders was celebrated for his strength and skill. Despite his retirement in 2008, Sanders is still remembered as a great boxer who achieved a remarkable victory.
3. Jacob Matlala
Jacob Matlala, more commonly known as “Baby Jakke”, was a renowned South African boxer. He was born in Meadowlands, Johannesburg and was the junior flyweight champion of South Africa. Matlala was extremely successful in his boxing career, winning four world championship titles.
His accomplishments earned him the recognition of being voted number seventy-two in the “100 Greatest South Africans” poll organized by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in 2004.
Matlala’s boxing career spanned over two decades and he was well known for his aggressive fighting style. He was the first South African to win a world title and the fourth African to win a world championship belt.
He was a four-time champion of the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) mini flyweight division and was also a two-time champion of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight division. Matlala is remembered as one of the most successful South African boxers of all time.
His accomplishments have earned him a place in the hearts of many South Africans. He was an inspiration to aspiring boxers and a role model for the youth of South Africa. Matlala was also an advocate for the sport of boxing, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
4. Vuyani Bungu
Vuyani Bungu is a former professional boxer from South Africa with a decorated career spanning eighteen years.
He began his boxing career in 1987 and went on to become one of the most revered boxers in the country. In 1994, he won the IBF junior-featherweight title and held it for five years. This was an impressive feat as he was able to remain undefeated throughout this span.
He was also the first South African boxer to win a world title.In 2004, he added another accolade to his list of accomplishments by winning the IBO featherweight title and held it until his retirement in 2005.
His retirement marked the end of an impressive boxing career in which he was able to garner a lot of respect and recognition. Vuyani Bungu is a symbol of South African boxing greatness and his accomplishments will forever be remembered.
He set an example for the future generations of boxers to strive for and will forever be a reminder of the power of hard work and dedication.
5. Thulani Malinga
Thulani Malinga is an impressive figure in the world of professional boxing. He was born in South Africa and competed in the sport from 1981 to 2000. During this time, he achieved great success, earning the WBC super-middleweight title twice, between 1996 and 1998.
Malinga was renowned for his impressive technique, as well as his power and tenacity. He fought many of the world’s best boxers during his career and was a real crowd-pleaser.
After retiring from the sport, Malinga has gone on to be a successful coach and mentor and continues to be an inspiration to many upcoming boxers. He is a true legend of the sport.
6. Willie Toweel
Willie Michael Toweel was a professional boxer from South Africa who achieved great success in his sport. He had a successful career in boxing, competing in the flyweight division at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.
During the event, he won the bronze medal in the flyweight division, an incredible feat for a boxer from South Africa. Toweel was an impressive athlete with great strength and determination.
He worked hard to hone his skill and build his reputation as an Olympic-level boxer. Throughout his professional career, Toweel was known for his strong showing in the ring. His impressive record included victories against notable opponents such as Jock McAvoy and Davey Moore.
He was able to use his agility and skill to outmaneuver his opponents and come out on top. Toweel was also well-respected for his sportsmanship and dedication to the sport. Willie Michael Toweel was an inspiring athlete who achieved great success in the boxing world.
He will always be remembered for his dedication to the sport and his impressive accomplishments, including his bronze medal in the flyweight division at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.
7. Brian Mitchell
Brian Mitchell is a South African former professional boxer who had a successful career spanning from 1981 to 1985.
During this time, he became a three-time world champion, winning the WBA super-featherweight title from 1986 to 1991, The Ring super-featherweight title from 1986 to 1988, and the IBF super-featherweight title from 1991 to 1992.
His impressive list of titles is a testament to his skill, determination, and hard work. Brian Mitchell was well-known and respected within the boxing world for his speed, strength, and resilience.
He was also known for his ability to take punishment and still come out victorious. His opponents knew that if they wanted to beat Mitchell, they would have to fight hard and be able to withstand his powerful punches.
Brian Mitchell’s rise to fame in the boxing world was nothing short of remarkable. He was able to make an impact in his short career, becoming one of the most decorated fighters in South African boxing history.
His legacy will be remembered for years to come, and he will continue to be an inspiration to up-and-coming boxers around the world.
8. Vic Toweel
Victor “Vic” Anthony Toweel was a South African boxer who made history in the boxing world. He became the first person from South Africa to ever hold a world title when he was crowned the undisputed World bantamweight champion.
Toweel’s accomplishment was a major milestone for South Africa and the sport of boxing as a whole. He was a source of pride for the country and served as an inspiration for aspiring boxers in his home nation.
Toweel’s legacy will be remembered for many years to come and will continue to be a source of motivation for up and coming South African boxers.
9. Dingaan Thobela
Dingaan Bongane Thobela is a former professional boxer from South Africa who competed actively between 1990 and 2006.
He is a world champion in two weight classes, having held the WBO lightweight title from 1990 to 1992, the WBA lightweight in 1993, and the WBC super-middleweight title in 2000.
Thobela, a native of South Africa, was able to achieve a great deal of success in his boxing career, becoming the first South African boxer to win a world title in two different weight classes. Throughout his career, Thobela was known for his aggressive style and his ability to put on an exciting fight, as well as his technical skill.
He quickly rose through the ranks of the lightweight division, winning the WBO title in 1990. He defended it twice before losing it in 1992.
He then won the WBA Lightweight title in 1993 and successfully defended it twice before losing it in 1994. Thobela continued to fight until 2006, but his most impressive achievement came in 2000 when he won the WBC Super-Middleweight title.
This made him the first South African boxer to win a world title in two different weight classes, solidifying his place in the annals of boxing history.
Dingaan Bongane Thobela was an impressive boxer who achieved a great deal of success during his career and will be remembered as one of the best boxers to come out of South Africa.
10. Zolani Tete
Zolani Tete is a South African professional boxer who has achieved a great deal of success in the sport. He is a two-time world champion, having held the IBF junior-bantamweight title from 2014 to 2015 and the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019.
This impressive feat is a testament to Tete’s hard work and dedication to his craft, as well as his skill and athleticism as a boxer. Tete first became a world champion in 2014 when he won the IBF junior-bantamweight title by defeating Paul Butler.
He successfully defended the title four times before losing it to Japanese boxer Ryo Akaho in 2015. In 2017, Tete was crowned the WBO bantamweight champion after defeating Arthur Villanueva.
He went on to defend the title four times, before losing it in 2019 to John Riel Casimero. Throughout his career, Tete has shown a great deal of determination and resilience. His ability to overcome adversity and come out on top makes him an inspiration to many aspiring boxers.
His success is a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming a world-class boxer.
11. Kevin Lerena
Kevin Lerena is a professional boxer from South Africa. He is one of South Africa’s most successful boxers, having won the IBO cruiserweight title from 2017 to 2021.
During this time, he was also the first South African to challenge for the WBA heavyweight title in 2022. In 2017, Lerena won the IBO cruiserweight title, defeating Poland’s Mateusz Masternak in a 12-round unanimous decision.
During his time as champion, he successfully defended the title five times, winning four of those fights by knockout. He was the first African to hold the IBO cruiserweight title. In 2022, Lerena challenged for the WBA heavyweight title.
He put up a valiant effort but ultimately lost in a unanimous decision to Russian boxer Alexander Ustinov. Lerena has been a professional boxer since 2010, winning 24 of his 28 fights, with 11 of those wins coming by way of knockout.
He has been praised for his skillful and aggressive style, and his willingness to take on any challenge. Overall, Kevin Lerena is an accomplished and successful boxer.
He has achieved great success in the cruiserweight division and is the first African to challenge for the WBA heavyweight title. He is an inspiration to many aspiring South African boxers and is sure to continue to have a successful career.
12. Thabiso Mchunu
Thabiso Mchunu is a prominent South African professional boxer who has had the opportunity to challenge for world titles twice in his career. In 2016, he set his sights on the WBO Cruiserweight Title but ultimately did not win the belt.
However, in 2022, he had another opportunity to become a world champion when he challenged for the WBC Cruiserweight Title. As of August 2022, Mchunu is ranked fifth in the world among Cruiserweights, according to The Ring, BoxRec, and TBRB.
This indicates that Mchunu is one of the most respected boxers in his division. His dedication to the sport and his professional achievements have earned him a place among the top contenders in the Cruiserweight division.
As he continues to compete, Mchunu’s ranking is likely to improve as he strives to achieve his goal of becoming a world champion.
13. Francois Botha
Francois “Frans” Botha is a South African former professional boxer and kickboxer who was active in the sport from 1990 to 2014.
He achieved his greatest success in the sport of boxing, becoming a world heavyweight champion after winning the IBF title in 1995 against Axel Schulz. However, his reign as champion was short-lived as he was stripped of his title after failing a drug test.
His prominent career in the sport also included high-profile bouts against Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Michael Moorer.
Despite his accomplishments in the ring, Botha’s legacy has been tarnished by allegations of performance-enhancing drug use throughout his time as a professional boxer.
14. Phillip N’dou
Phillip Ndou is a renowned South African former professional boxer who is best known for his impressive punching power. He is widely recognized for having won his first 30 out of 32 fights by knockout or stoppage and maintaining an astounding 81% knockout ratio.
Ndou has also challenged for a world title, which makes him a formidable and respected figure in the boxing world. He has made a name for himself through his unrivaled power and skill in the ring. Ndou has had a long and successful career in the boxing world.
He started his professional career in 1996 and has since held numerous titles, including the South African, IBF Africa, and WBU Lightweight titles. He has also fought for world titles against the likes of Juan Lazcano, Miguel Angel Cotto, and Ricky Hatton.
Despite the fact that he never won a world title, he still managed to remain competitive and was well-respected by his peers. Phillip Ndou’s boxing career has been truly impressive.
His power and skill in the ring have made him a respected figure in the boxing world, and his knockout ratio of 81% is a testament to how formidable he has been.
Despite not winning a world title, he has still managed to make a name for himself and will always be remembered as a great boxer.
15. Mzukisi Sikali
Mzukisi Sikali was an extraordinary athlete who achieved great success in the world of boxing. He was a South African boxer and a world champion in three different weight categories, which is an incredibly impressive feat.
He held the world champion titles in the junior flyweight, flyweight, and super flyweight divisions. This means he was able to win and defend the title in multiple weight classes, a challenge that few athletes have been able to accomplish.
Sikali was an incredible fighter and a role model for many aspiring boxers. He was able to excel and reach the peak of success in the world of boxing despite the fact that boxing is a highly competitive sport. His success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and skill.
He will forever be remembered as an extraordinary athlete and an inspiration for many.
16. Daniel Bekker
Daniel “Daan” Wepener Bekker was a South African boxer who made a great impact in the sport. He won the bronze medal in the Heavyweight division at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.
This was a major accomplishment for Bekker, and it was a testament to his strength and skill as a boxer. Four years later, Bekker competed in the Heavyweight division again at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.
This time, he was able to outperform his previous performance and capture the silver medal in this division.
This was a significant achievement for Bekker, as it further solidified his place in history as a great South African boxer. Bekker’s accomplishments demonstrate his impressive work ethic and dedication.
He was able to achieve great heights through his hard work and determination, and his success serves as an inspiration for future generations of athletes. He will always be remembered for his extraordinary achievements in the sport of boxing.
17. Ayanda Ndulani
Ayanda Ndulani is a professional boxer from South Africa. He currently holds the IBO minimumweight title, which he won in 2021. Ndulani is a highly talented boxer, having won 24 of his 26 professional bouts, with his only two losses coming in the form of split decisions.
He has achieved a great deal of success in his career, with several championship titles to his name. He is well respected in the boxing world and is seen as one of the rising stars in the sport.
Ndulani is known for his strong punches and aggressive style, which has earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent in the ring. He is also an advocate for the sport and is dedicated to helping young boxers develop their skills.
He has a bright future ahead of him, and fans are eager to see what he will accomplish in the coming years.
18. Ludumo Lamati
Ludumo Lamati is a professional boxer from South Africa who had achieved success in the ring. He held the IBO super bantamweight title from June 2021 to May 2022. Additionally, he had participated in the 2011 World Championships as an amateur boxer.
His former trainer, Nick Durandt, gave him the nickname of 9mm after a type of semiautomatic pistol. This nickname likely reflects the power and precision that Lamati brings into the ring as a professional boxer.
His success in the ring makes him a great example of the strength and determination of South African fighters.
19. Hekkie Budler
Hector “Hekkie” Budler is a South African professional boxer who has achieved great success in his career.
He has held two world titles in two different weight classes, the IBO and WBA minimumweight titles between 2011 and 2016, and the unified WBA, IBF, and Ring magazine light-flyweight titles in 2018.
This remarkable feat makes him one of the few boxers to have held two weight classes world titles in a single career. Hekkie Budler began his professional career in 2008 and quickly rose to the top of the minimumweight rankings.
He won the IBO and WBA titles in 2011 and defended them multiple times in the following years. In 2016, he vacated the titles and moved up to the light-flyweight division and won the unified WBA, IBF, and Ring magazine light-flyweight titles in 2018.
This crowning achievement solidified his place in boxing history and earned him international recognition. Hekkie Budler is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers and is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
His impressive career has shown that anything is possible and that success is within reach. He is a true champion and his accomplishments will not be forgotten.
20. Lehlo Ledwaba
Lehlohonolo Benedict Ledwaba was an incredible athlete, with a remarkable career in the world of boxing. He was born in South Africa and started his professional boxing career in 1990. During this time, he rose to stardom and achieved remarkable success.
In 1999, he won the IBF super bantamweight title and held it until 2001. He was an inspiration to the world of boxing and was loved and admired by many. Unfortunately, Ledwaba passed away on 2 July 2021, at the young age of 49, due to complications from COVID-19.
The world of boxing mourned his death, and his fans and friends paid tribute to him. Ledwaba was an incredible athlete, and his legacy will live on forever. He was an inspiration to many and will be remembered fondly.
21. Nkosinathi Joyi
Nkosinathi Joyi is a South African boxer who is known by the nickname of “Mabere”. He is a professional boxer who fights with a southpaw stance, which is when the boxer leads with their right hand and foot instead of their left.
Joyi is also a former IBF Minimumweight world champion, which is a weight class in professional boxing that is lower than the Flyweight division.
As a result of his success and accomplishments, BoxRec and The Ring Magazine have both ranked him as the number one boxer in the Minimumweight division. This is a great honor and a testament to Joyi’s skill and dedication to the sport.
He is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers and is well-respected within the boxing community.
22. Welcome Ncita
Ncita, also known as “The Hawk”, is a retired professional boxer who had a successful career spanning over six years. He began his professional boxing career in 1984 and in 1990 captured the International Boxing Federation Super Bantamweight Title.
This title was won in a fight against Fabrice Benichou, which took place in Tel Aviv. Ncita was a well-respected fighter in the ring and was admired by many for his strength and skill.
After retiring from professional boxing in 1990, Ncita remained active in the boxing world as a coach, mentor, and promoter. He continues to be a positive influence on the sport of boxing and an inspiration to many aspiring boxers.
23. Virgil Kalakoda
Virgil Kalakoda is an impressive athlete, having achieved success in both boxing and kickboxing. He is known as “The Conqueror” due to his impressive streak of victories in the ring.
Kalakoda is a South African welterweight boxer and kickboxer and he currently fights out of Full Body Impact Gym in Sydney, Australia. Kalakoda’s achievements include winning the light-middleweight boxing championship.
In addition, he has also competed in K-1 MAX, an international kickboxing promotion. His accomplishments in the ring have earned him the respect of both fans and peers alike. Kalakoda’s athleticism and determination have made him a formidable opponent in the ring.
He is known for his strength and agility, as well as his ability to stay calm under pressure.
His dedication to his sport is evident in his hard work and commitment to training. Kalakoda’s impressive record and success in the ring have earned him the nickname “The Conqueror.” His success is a testament to his dedication to his sport and his determination to be the best he can be.
Through his hard work and dedication, Virgil Kalakoda has become a true champion in his sport.
24. Mbulelo Botile
Mbulelo Botile is a former professional boxer from South Africa who had a successful career spanning from 1989 to 2005. During this time, he achieved tremendous success in the sport, becoming a world champion in two weight classes.
In 1995, Botile won the IBF bantamweight title, a title he would hold for two years until 1997.
Then, in 2000, he won the IBF featherweight title and held it until 2001. Botile’s impressive accomplishments in the sport of boxing earned him much recognition and admiration, both in his home country of South Africa and around the world.
During his sixteen-year career, he fought numerous opponents and was widely regarded as one of the most talented boxers of his generation. He was an inspiration for many aspiring boxers, and his legacy continues to live on in the sport today.
25. Mike Bernardo
Michael Shawn Bernardo was a highly accomplished martial artist from Cape Town, South Africa. He specialized in both kickboxing and boxing and was well-known in Japan, where he was given the nickname “Beru-chan”.
Bernardo had a long history in the K-1 World Grand Prix, having competed in the tournament since 1994. Over the years, Bernardo earned a reputation for being an incredibly skillful fighter and becoming one of the most respected martial artists in the world.
His expertise in both kickboxing and boxing helped him become a formidable opponent and a fan favorite in Japan. He was also known for his sportsmanship and humility, which endeared him to many fans.
Bernardo’s career in the K-1 World Grand Prix spanned two decades, and his legacy lives on in the martial arts community.
26. Young Pluto
Joseph William Dudley Brown, better known as Young Pluto and later Joe Pluto was a South African-born featherweight boxer. He was born in South Africa but spent most of his life in Australia. Throughout his boxing career, he had a total of 17 wins, 9 losses, and 12 draws.
Young Pluto’s career spanned many years, and he achieved success in the ring, becoming a well-known figure in the boxing world. He was respected by his peers and fans alike, and his legacy will continue to live on through those that he touched throughout his career.
27. Azinga Fuzile
Azinga Fuzile is a professional boxer from South Africa who has made a name for himself in the sport. He is a Super Featherweight boxer in the International Boxing Federation (IBF). In 2021, he rose to the challenge and fought for the IBF Super Featherweight title.
It was an impressive and courageous effort, but unfortunately he didn’t win the title. However, his attempt at the title was a testament to his dedication and hard work in the sport. He is a great example of how hard work and dedication can pay off for any athlete.
He has shown that with enough determination and drive, anyone can become a champion, regardless of their background or where they come from.
28. Nhlanhla Tyirha
Nhlanhla Tyirha is a South African professional boxer who has made a name for himself in the boxing world. He began his professional boxing career in 2015, and since then has had an impressive record.
In 2021, Tyirha achieved the WBO Global light flyweight title, which is a higher tier of boxing than the regional or national titles. Being the WBO Global light flyweight champion is a great honor, and it is a testament to Tyirha’s hard work and dedication to the sport.
He is one of the few South African boxers to reach the highest level of the sport, and his accomplishments have been a source of pride for his country. Tyirha is a true champion, and his success is a reminder of the importance of working hard to achieve one’s goals.
29. Arnold Taylor
Arnold Taylor was a successful South African boxer who achieved great success during his career. He held the Lineal and WBA bantamweight championships in 1973, a feat that few boxers can claim. Taylor was a powerful fighter, able to overcome bigger opponents in the ring.
His power and technique made him a formidable opponent and he was able to hold off challengers to his title. He was a popular champion, respected by his peers and fans alike.
Taylor’s career ended in 1975, but his legacy lives on as one of the greatest boxers to come from the region. He will be remembered for his courage, skill, and determination to be the best.
30. Owethu Mbira
Owethu Mbira is a professional boxer from South Africa who fought professionally from 2008 to 2011. He had a successful amateur career, highlighted by a bronze medal in the lightweight category at the 2007 All-Africa Games.
This medal was a testament to his skill and commitment in the sport, and it helped launch his professional career. Mbira has always been passionate about boxing, and his success in the amateur ranks showed that he had the potential to become a successful professional.
His hard work paid off, as he was able to compete at the professional level for three years. During that time, he showed that he had the skill to compete with the best boxers in his weight class.
Mbira’s career may have been relatively short, but it is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his ability to perform at the highest level.
31. Sivenathi Nontshinga
Sivenathi Nontshinga is a highly accomplished South African professional boxer. He currently holds the IBF light-flyweight world championship title, which he won in September 2022.
Before this, he already had an impressive record, having held the IBF International light-flyweight title from 2019 to 2022. This demonstrates his skill and dedication as a boxer, and it is no surprise that he has been able to capture the world championship title.
His success is a testament to the hard work he has put in over the years, and he is sure to be an inspiration to other aspiring South African boxers.
32. Johnny du Plooy
Johnny du Plooy was a professional heavyweight boxer from South Africa who was well known for his victory over former WBA World Heavyweight champion Mike Weaver.
He was considered one of the best boxers in the country during his time in the sport. Du Plooy had a long and successful career, fighting in more than fifty professional fights and earning several regional titles.
He was especially noted for his win over Weaver, which occurred in 1984. The victory was a great accomplishment for Du Plooy, as it put him on the map as a legitimate contender in the heavyweight boxing world. In 1989, Du Plooy challenged for the WBO World Heavyweight title.
Although he was unsuccessful in winning the title, his attempt was still considered a major achievement.
It showed that Du Plooy was a serious contender and that he was not afraid to take on the biggest names in the sport. Du Plooy’s career ended in 1994, after a successful run as a professional boxer.
He has since been inducted into the South African Boxing Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements. His win over Weaver and his attempt to win the WBO World Heavyweight title serve as a reminder of his greatness and his legacy in the sport of boxing.
33. Moruti Mthalane
Moruti Mthalane is an exceptional South African former professional boxer. He is a two-time IBF flyweight champion, having held the title between 2009 and 2021, a remarkable feat.
He also held the IBO flyweight title from 2014 to 2017, adding to his impressive career accomplishments.
During his time as a professional fighter, Mthalane has proven himself to be a defensive master, with his opponents having difficulty finding ways to land punches against his agile frame.
He also has an incredible work ethic and an unyielding determination to succeed, which has helped him reach the top of the boxing world.
Mthalane is a true champion in every sense of the word and an inspiration to aspiring fighters who look to his career as an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
34. Cassius Baloyi
Cassius Baloyi is a retired professional boxer who has had a very successful career. He was born in South Africa and began boxing professionally in 1998. He held the IBF super featherweight title twice between 2006 and 2009, making him a two-time world champion.
Baloyi has an impressive record of wins, with only 2 losses out of 44 fights. He achieved major success in his career, winning multiple world titles and becoming one of South Africa’s most successful boxers.
After retiring in 2012, Baloyi has gone on to become a motivational speaker and boxing trainer. He is an inspiration to many, having achieved so much in his career and still continuing to inspire and motivate others.
35. Chris van Heerden
Chris van Heerden is a world-renowned professional boxer who hails from South Africa. He is a former IBO Welterweight Champion and is considered one of the best welterweight boxers in the world. Van Heerden has a professional record of 28 wins, 3 losses, and one draw.
He is known for his strong technical boxing style and has held titles from the IBO, as well as the WBC International and the WBA Pan African Welterweight titles.
He also held the IBO Welterweight Championship from 2011 until 2013. Van Heerden has faced some of the best fighters in the world, including IBF Welterweight Champion Shawn Porter and WBO Welterweight Champion Tim Bradley.
He has held his own against these top-notch fighters, showing his exceptional skill in the ring. Throughout his career, Van Heerden has competed in numerous countries, including his homeland South Africa, the U.S., Mexico, Germany, and more.
He has also appeared in multiple television shows, including The Contender, and has been featured in several films. Chris van Heerden is an exceptional athlete and a true champion.
He continues to strive for excellence and is a great example of what hard work and dedication can bring to a career in professional boxing.
36. Gideon Buthelezi
Gideon Buthelezi is an accomplished professional boxer from South Africa. He has been a dominant force in the sport for many years and has held championship titles in three different weight divisions. In 2015, he won the IBO super-flyweight title and held it until present.
He also held the IBO minimumweight and light-flyweight titles between 2010 and 2011. Buthelezi’s record is impressive; he has won several major fights and has been a consistent presence in the ring for more than a decade.
He has an aggressive fighting style, and his punches are powerful and accurate. He is a highly respected boxer in the international boxing community, and his accomplishments are a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
Gideon Buthelezi is an inspiring figure in the world of professional boxing. He has achieved success in multiple weight divisions and is a world champion boxer.
His story is an example of what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication, and he is an excellent role model for aspiring boxers.
37. Dee-jay Kriel
Deejay Kriel is a South African athlete who has achieved success in the world of professional boxing. He was born and raised in South Africa and began his boxing career at an early age.
Kriel has competed in various professional boxing fights, and in 2019, he acquired the IBF mini-flyweight title. This title is an international one, and it was a great honor for Kriel to have won it.
He is the first South African boxer to win this title, and his success has made him a celebrated athlete in South Africa. Kriel has had an impressive career in boxing, and he has become an inspiration to aspiring boxers.
He is a hardworking athlete who has earned the respect of many of his peers. He has also been able to set an example for young people in South Africa, showing them that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve their goals and dreams.
Through his success, Kriel has proven that anything is possible with the right attitude and determination.
38. Malcolm Klassen
Malcolm Klassen is an accomplished South African professional boxer. He has held the title of International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Featherweight champion twice in his career. The first time he won the title was in 2006, and he held it until 2007.
After a two year hiatus, he regained his title in 2009 and held it until he retired from boxing. Klassen is considered to be one of the most successful boxers to come out of South Africa.
He is well respected in the boxing world for his strong competitive spirit and dedication to the sport. He has faced off against a number of outstanding fighters and has won a large number of bouts.
He is also known for his charitable work and has done a great deal to support the boxing community in his home country. Klassen’s career accomplishments have been well-recognized and honored.
He has been inducted into the South African Boxing Hall of Fame and has been awarded numerous prestigious titles for his excellence in the sport. He will continue to be remembered as a great champion and an inspiration for future generations of South African boxers.
39. Bongani Mahlangu
Bongani Mahlangu is a South African professional boxer who had a successful amateur career. He was given the chance to compete in the 2004 Summer Olympics, representing his country in the lightweight division.
Unfortunately, his Olympic campaign was short-lived, as he was eliminated in the first round by Azerbaijan’s Rovshan Huseynov.
Despite this setback, Mahlangu has continued to have a successful career in professional boxing, competing in several international tournaments and winning several titles.
As a professional, Mahlangu has demonstrated his ability to compete against the best in the world and has become an inspiration for aspiring boxers back in South Africa.
He is a role model for young boxers, showing them that with dedication and hard work, they can achieve their goals and make their dreams come true.
40. George Hunter
George Hunter was a professional boxer from South Africa, who competed in the Light Heavyweight division in his career as an amateur. He was born in Brakpan and had a unique family background.
His father was born in Durban and his mother was born in Pretoria, giving him a unique mix of cultural influences. All four of his grandparents were from England, further enriching his cultural heritage.
Growing up in a multicultural environment, George was exposed to a variety of cultural traditions. This likely played a role in his success as a boxer, as his natural talent and technique was likely honed by his diverse cultural influences.
George Hunter was a proud South African, and his unique background made him an inspiration to many.
41. Harry Isaacs
Harry Isaacs was a South African boxer who made a name for himself by competing in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. He was met with success in his first Olympic bout, beating Aage Fahrenholtz of Denmark in a points decision.
This victory earned him a place in the second round, in which he faced off against Canadian boxer Vince Glionna. Despite Glionna’s formidable skills, Isaacs was able to come out on top once more, winning the match on points.
This accomplishment earned him a place in the quarterfinals, where he was unfortunately unable to continue his winning streak. Nevertheless, Isaacs’ achievements in the 1928 Summer Olympics shed light on his incredible boxing abilities.
His victories against Fahrenholtz and Glionna demonstrate his prowess in the ring and his ability to outmaneuver his opponents.
42. Ernest Peirce
Ernest “Eddie” Peirce was a legendary South African boxer who had the opportunity to compete in the 1932 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, California. He was born in Somerset West, a small town located near Cape Town, South Africa.
Peirce’s career was cut short due to his untimely death in Apache Junction, Arizona, United States. Peirce was considered to be a talented boxer who represented his home country, South Africa, with pride and enthusiasm.
He was remembered for his commitment to the sport and his determination to win. Although his life was cut short, his legacy has left a lasting impression on the boxing world. Peirce was a respected and beloved athlete who was remembered for his skill and integrity.
His memory will be forever cherished by those who knew him and those who followed his career.
43. Mzonke Fana
Mzonke Fana is a professional boxer from South Africa. He is best known for his achievements in the super featherweight division, where he held the IBF title for two separate reigns.
His first reign began in 2007 and lasted until 2009 when he was defeated in a fight against Malcolm Klassen. Fana regrouped and won the title back in 2010, but later that year he suffered a defeat to Robert Guerrero.
In addition to his two championship reigns, Fana attempted to become a three-division world champion by challenging for the WBC lightweight title in 2009, and the WBA super featherweight title in 2011, but he was unsuccessful both times.
Throughout his career, Fana has fought a total of 45 professional bouts, winning 39 and losing 6. He is now retired from the sport and is widely considered to be one of South Africa’s greatest boxers of all time.
44. Dennis Shepherd
Dennis Shepherd was a talented athlete who made his country proud. He was a South African boxer who represented his country in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. He competed in the featherweight division and ended up winning the silver medal.
This impressive achievement was a momentous occasion for South Africa, as it was the first time a South African had ever won a medal in boxing. Shepherd went on to have a successful career as a professional boxer, as well as a coach.
He was well-known and respected in the boxing world. He was 79 years old when he passed away in Lichtenburg, South Africa. He had a positive impact on the boxing community and was remembered fondly by many. His legacy will live on for many years to come.
45. Clarence Walker
Clarence Leonard “Sal” Walker was a South African bantamweight professional boxer who fought in the early 1920s. He was born in the city of Port Elizabeth in South Africa. Sal Walker achieved great success in his career, as he won the gold medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics.
This victory was made even more remarkable due to the fact that he defeated Chris Graham in the final match. After a successful career as a boxer, Sal Walker passed away in the city of Roodepoort in Gauteng, South Africa.
His paternal grandfather was from Scotland, indicating that Walker had a multi-cultural family background. Sal Walker is remembered as a South African athlete who achieved great success at the 1920 Summer Olympics.
His legacy is an example of South Africa’s strength in sports, and his success is a source of inspiration for athletes around the world.
46. Tshifhiwa Munyai
Tshifhiwa Munyai is an accomplished South African professional boxer, having achieved success in multiple divisions. In 2014, he challenged for the WBA super-bantamweight title, an honor that few in his home country have achieved.
From 2006 to 2007, he held the Commonwealth bantamweight title, and in 2011, he held the IBO super-bantamweight title. His success in the sport of boxing is evident from his numerous titles. Munyai is known for his tenacity in the ring and his ability to adapt to his opponents.
He is a gifted athlete who has spent years honing his craft. He has a strong and determined spirit that has pushed him to the top of the boxing world.
He has inspired many young boxers in South Africa to strive for success in the sport, and his legacy will continue to live on in the boxing community.
47. David Carstens
David Daniel Carstens was an incredibly talented South African boxer who achieved a remarkable feat at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles: he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight boxing competition.
Carstens had to compete against some of the best competitors in the world in order to achieve this greatness, but he managed to come out on top in the final match against Italian boxer Gino Rossi.
This was no small feat, and the victory was a testament to Carstens’ skill and determination. His gold medal win was an incredible accomplishment, and it was a source of pride for South Africa as a whole.
Carstens had earned his place in history, and his legacy will live on forever.
48. Jackson Chauke
Jackson Van Tonder Chauke is a highly accomplished South African boxer. He is currently the holder of the WBC International flyweight title, having first won it in 2019. Before turning professional, Chauke achieved considerable success as an amateur.
He won silver medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and 2007 All-Africa Games, both in the flyweight division. This is a remarkable achievement, and it is a testament to Chauke’s skill and commitment to the sport.
Chauke is highly respected by his peers and is considered to be one of the top boxers in the world. He has a strong work ethic and is always striving to improve his technique and physical condition.
His commitment to boxing and his dedication to his craft have seen him rewarded with success in the professional ranks. Jackson Van Tonder Chauke is a true champion in every sense. He is an inspiration to all who aspire to excel in their chosen field.
His story is a testament to hard work and dedication, and it serves as a reminder that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
49. Kallie Knoetze
Kallie Knoetze is a well-known retired South African heavyweight boxer and actor. He began his boxing career in the 1980s and quickly rose to prominence in the sport.
His career spanned over two decades, and during this time he won numerous world-class titles, including the South African Heavyweight Championship.
He also won several prestigious awards, such as the South African Sportsman of the Year Award in 1997. Kallie Knoetze was also an actor, appearing in various South African films and television shows.
He starred in films such as ‘The Long Run’ and ‘The Harder They Come’, as well as the television series ‘Waterfront’.
He was also a regular cast member of the South African soap opera ‘7de Laan’.Kallie Knoetze retired from boxing in 2005 but continued to be involved in the sport as a promoter and referee.
He was also involved in charity work, providing support to underprivileged children in South Africa.
He was awarded the South African Order of Ikhamanga in 2008, in recognition of his contribution to sport and the entertainment industry. Kallie Knoetze has had a long and successful career in both boxing and acting.
He is a respected figure in both sports, and his legacy continues to be honoured in South Africa.
50. Mike Schutte
Michael Richard Schutte was a multi-talented South African, who was successful in many different areas of his life. He was a professional boxer, with a record of 24 wins, three losses and one draw.
He was also an actor, comedian and singer. He was born in Mossel Bay, South Africa in 1959, and started his boxing career at the age of 20. He quickly rose in popularity, becoming the South African National Welterweight Champion in 1984.
His most famous fight was against Sugar Ray Leonard in 1987, which he lost. Michael was also a successful actor and comedian, having starred in a number of South African films. He also had a successful singing career, releasing two albums in the 1980s.
His songs were a mix of traditional South African music and Western pop. Michael was an important figure in South African culture, and his career was full of highlights.
He was a successful boxer, actor, comedian and singer, and will be remembered for his achievements in all these areas.
51. William Alexander Smith
William Alexander Smith was a talented South African boxer who competed in the 1920s. He is remembered today as the reigning world champion in the bantamweight category from 1924 to 1928.
This title was earned after Smith won the gold medal in the 1924 Summer Olympics in the same category. Smith was of Scottish and English descent, with his family hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland and Bedfordshire, England.
His accomplishments in the ring and the Olympic Games are what set him apart from other boxers of the time, cementing his place as a champion.
Conclusion
South Africa has some of the most talented boxers in the world. Some of the most notable boxers include Zolani Tete, Moruti Mthalane, Mzonke Fana, and Thulani Malinga. These boxers have made a name for themselves in the boxing world and have achieved success in the ring.
Their dedication and hard work have earned them the respect of their peers and fans alike. South Africa is a country that is proud of its boxing talent and will continue to cultivate and support its boxers in the future.
