Once again a boxer has died, but this time not by stabbing.
Reigning World Boxing Federation Africa junior-lightweight champion Themba Tshicila is the latest boxer who has passed away – he was found dead at his NU6, Mdantsane home at the weekend.
Having never won a significant title besides gaining provincial honours, Tshicila first put up a brave performance against the unbeaten Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni in an SA and WBF International junior-lightweight title challenge, losing via a highly debatable majority decision.
He then travelled to Cape Town where he beat Nkululeko Venganayi to win the continental crown.
Madikane, who is credited for getting the best out of the boxer, who was previously regarded as a journeyman, said he had a programme in place for Tshicila but he and other boxers were poached from him.
“I am glad that I was able to make Killer a champion despite his advanced age, when no one could before,” Madikane, who was the first person to visit the Tshicila family after news of the boxer’s death, said.
“We had planned for him to defend the WBF Africa title before he quit boxing to focus on something else, but unfortunately some people felt that he was too good,” Madikane added.
Tshicila never returned to the ring and was seen constantly inebriated in Mdantsane.
Madikane said that had the boxer remained with him he would probably still be alive.
“One thing for sure is that discipline is the cornerstone for any of my boxers or assistant trainers, so yes...Killer would have toned down on his heavy drinking,” he said.
Although he had been inactive for two years, there had been no contests for Tshicila’s WBF title.
The family has yet to decide on the date of his funeral, with his death likely to spark yet another debate on whether or not Boxing SA should pay for his funeral costs, owing to the controversial funeral cover boxers have with the insurance taken out by the regulatory body.
BSA-Eastern Cape manager Phakamile Jacobs said Tshicila had not registered as a boxer for this financial year, and therefore had not qualified for the funeral cover.
Tshicila had lost only 12 times and drawn three times in his 42- bout career.
Fight game loses yet another major talent
Reigning World Boxing Federation Africa junior-lightweight champion Themba Tshicila is the latest boxer who has passed away – he was found dead at his NU6, Mdantsane home at the weekend.
Having never won a significant title besides gaining provincial honours, Tshicila first put up a brave performance against the unbeaten Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni in an SA and WBF International junior-lightweight title challenge, losing via a highly debatable majority decision.
He then travelled to Cape Town where he beat Nkululeko Venganayi to win the continental crown.
Madikane, who is credited for getting the best out of the boxer, who was previously regarded as a journeyman, said he had a programme in place for Tshicila but he and other boxers were poached from him.
“I am glad that I was able to make Killer a champion despite his advanced age, when no one could before,” Madikane, who was the first person to visit the Tshicila family after news of the boxer’s death, said.
“We had planned for him to defend the WBF Africa title before he quit boxing to focus on something else, but unfortunately some people felt that he was too good,” Madikane added.
Tshicila never returned to the ring and was seen constantly inebriated in Mdantsane.
Madikane said that had the boxer remained with him he would probably still be alive.
“One thing for sure is that discipline is the cornerstone for any of my boxers or assistant trainers, so yes...Killer would have toned down on his heavy drinking,” he said.
Although he had been inactive for two years, there had been no contests for Tshicila’s WBF title.
The family has yet to decide on the date of his funeral, with his death likely to spark yet another debate on whether or not Boxing SA should pay for his funeral costs, owing to the controversial funeral cover boxers have with the insurance taken out by the regulatory body.
BSA-Eastern Cape manager Phakamile Jacobs said Tshicila had not registered as a boxer for this financial year, and therefore had not qualified for the funeral cover.
Tshicila had lost only 12 times and drawn three times in his 42- bout career.
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