Two-weight champion Zolani Tete murdered in South Africa at 38

Former two-weight world champion Zolani Tete was murdered outside his home in South Africa at the age of 38. He ended his professional career with 29 wins, four defeats, 22 knockouts and one no contest.

Tete was shot in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Friday evening. Police said the attack happened in NU17 at about 6:30pm, when he had arrived home and was waiting for his gate to open.

Two armed men wearing balaclavas reportedly came from a vehicle and opened fire. A 27-year-old woman travelling with Tete was also hit several times and was taken to hospital. Tete drove into the yard while trying to get away from the shooting, but died at the scene.

South African police are investigating murder and attempted murder. No arrests had been made, and the motive remained unknown. The attack has brought mourning to the country’s boxing community and to the wider sport.

Tete won the IBF super-flyweight title in 2014 before becoming WBO bantamweight champion. He had not boxed since stopping Jason Cunningham in the fourth round at Wembley Arena in July 2022, although that result was later changed to a no contest after an adverse stanozolol finding.

The finding led to a four-year suspension, which ended three weeks before Tete’s death. He had become eligible to return and had resumed training with plans to fight again at 38. His intended comeback was therefore ended before he could compete.

Queensberry Promotions, which worked with Tete during an important part of his championship career, described him as an outstanding champion and a distinctive personality while expressing sympathy for his family, friends and the South African boxing community. Tete’s death removes one of South Africa’s most accomplished fighters from the sport.