Linda Ximba
The family of the late former world champion Peter “Terror” Mathebula claims to have been hit below the belt by South Africa’s sports bodies.
Mathebula became the first black boxer to win a world championship belt in the 1970s when black and white boxers were not allowed to fight against each other in South Africa.
He changed the script and turned the tables by defeating champion Tae Shik Kim from South Korea on points after a gruelling 15 rounds to lift the prestigious World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight title at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles on 13 November, 1980.
It was Mathebula’s first fight outside South Africa.
The pint-sized Mathebula, who retired aged 31 after managing 36 wins against nine defeats, died two years ago without a cent to his name.
His only son Patrick told Scrolla.Africa that promises were made by the West Rand local municipality to stage many boxing tournaments in the late champion’s honour.
“To my recollection the municipality only staged one tournament in 2017. There was a commitment from the then mayor that every year a boxing tournament involving up and coming youngsters and some experienced fighters would be staged,” he said.
“We feel these people were only doing that when my father was alive.”
He said he has tried in vain to engage with the municipality and even the Gauteng Sports Department in a bid to preserve Mathebula’s legacy.
Mathebula hailed from the dusty streets of Mohlakeng in Randfontein.
His reign as WBA titleist was short-lived after losing against Santos Laciar from Argentina
when he was stopped in round seven at Orlando Stadium in 1981.
