On 18 January 2020, Peter “Terror” Mathebula South Africa’s first black world champion boxer died. Mathebula was born on 3 July 1952, in Transvaal (now Gauteng). A flyweight division boxer, Mathebula made his professional boxing debut on 10 July 1971 against compatriot Sydwell Mhlongo in Rabosotho Hall, Tembisa, Transvaal. On 13 December 1980, Mathebula became South Africa’s first black world champion when he dethroned South Korea’s Tae-Shik Kim in Los Angeles, California, USA. Mathebula lost his title as world champion in the flyweight division in 1981 against Argentina’s Santos Laciar. Throughout his career, Mathebula won 36 matches, inflicting 17 KOs on his opponents, and lost 9 matches, suffering 5 KOs. Mathebula retired from boxing in 1983.
Peter “Terror” Mathebula died on 18 January 2020, in Leratong Hospital, Krugersdorp, Johannesburg, after suffering from an undisclosed illness. Mathebula is to be buried at Heroes Acre located in Pretoria.
“Peter Mathebula.” Boxing’s Official Record Keeper. boxrec.com/en/proboxer/049407 (accessed on 22 January 2020).
“Tae-Shik Kim v Peter Mathebula.” Boxing’s Official Record Keeper. boxrec.com/en/event/74193/124470 (accessed on 22 January 2020).
Magasela, Bongani. “Boxing icon to be given burial at Heroes Acre.” The Sowetan. January 22, 2020. www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/boxing/2020-01-22-boxing-icon-to-be-given-burial-at-heroes-acre/ (accessed on 22 January 2020).