Former two-time champion Zolani Tete killed in South Africa ambush

Former two-weight world champion Zolani Tete was killed in an ambush outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The 38-year-old boxer was returning from the gym at about 6:30am when gunmen opened fire on his vehicle.

Tete arrived at the gated property with a female passenger and was waiting for the entrance to open when a second car stopped nearby. Two masked men inside the vehicle reportedly began shooting. Tete attempted to reach the safety of his yard, but sustained fatal injuries. The condition of the passenger has not been confirmed.

Tete won his first world title in Japan in 2014, beating Teiru Kinoshita on points to claim the IBF junior bantamweight championship. Three years later, he defeated Arthur Villanueva by decision for the interim WBO bantamweight belt.

The South African was subsequently recognised as the full WBO bantamweight champion. He made three successful defences before his reign ended in 2019, when Filipino fighter John Riel Casimero stopped him in the third round.

Tete had been preparing for a return to the ring in November. He leaves a professional record of 29 wins and four defeats, with 22 of his victories coming by knockout. His career included world-title success in two divisions and a period as one of the leading bantamweights in the sport.