South Africa has a rich history when it comes to boxing. There are many famous South African boxers who top the charts when it comes to world champions. Most of them use the Starpro’s boxing gloves. Listing the top 10 boxers is probably one of the most difficult things to do. There is always going to be a strong debate on who is the greatest of them all and who is better than who. At times, you simply can’t pick and choose at all.
Yet, here are our top favorite, famous South African boxers. We are not listing them down in any particular order or ranking them. These boxers simply make it to our list of the best when it comes to longevity, historical impact, talents, and achievements. They all gave us some really good fights to remember for a lifetime.
Vic Toweel
Vic Toweel was the first world champion from South Africa. He has been a professional boxer for just 17 months fighting his 14th fight when he defeated the unbeatable Manuel Ortiz in 1950 winning the world title. Toweel was so aggressive, he once knocked his opponent Danny Sullivan 14 times. Vic took early retirement at the age of 26, two years after Jimmy Carruthers dethroned him. Though his career was short, it is worth remembering. The world champion really made his mark even in his short career.
Brian Mitchell
This two times featherweight world champion from South Africa was hampered by restrictions placed on South Africa. After becoming a pro he first lost to Jacob Morake but right after that, he became a national champion and then help WBA strap for 5 years, never once losing in the ring with 12 successful defenses. He won the IBF belt in 1991 in a rematch after a draw against Tony Lopez. Retiring as world champion, Mitchell stayed in the sport as a trainer and manager. In fact, the world champion Cassius Baloyi won under Mitchell’s mentorship. This probably is one of the reasons Mitchell was inducted to International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009.
Jacob Matlala
Jacob was a WBO light fly and flyweight champion. His career spanned a long 22 years when he claimed the WBU title in his last fight at 108 pounds. It is probably a miracle that a small man like Jacob was a world champion at just 4 feet 10 inches. Yet, he was able to leave his mark on the boxing world for the time to come. He faced financial as well as health problems after saying goodbye to the game and died at the age of 51 in 2013.
Corrie Sanders
Corrie Sanders was definitely one of the most powerful boxers in history. His opponents would say he throws the hardest punches. This southpaw became a WBO champion after almost retiring. He lost to Hashim Rahman in 2000 and was about to retire when the decision changed. Four years later, he got the WBO title fighting against Wladimir Klitschko. However, this fierce boxer didn’t hold onto the title for long as he decided to fight Vitali Klitschko right after. Unfortunately, he lost that one. Nevertheless, the WBO champion is still remembered among the most powerful boxers in history.
Gerrie Coetzee
Gerrie Coetzee is a true inspiration who’s carrier gives the message loud and clear that you if want something, go after it no matter what. He had 23 surgeries on his right hand, still, he was able to knock Leon Spinks out in round 1 on 1971. This famous South African boxer became the first heavyweight champion to win the WBA belt. His win came after losing the title twice to John Tate and Mike Weaver. 23 surgeries and he still managed to be the world champion. Pretty awesome!
Besides the top 10 greatest boxers of all time there is also still a long list of famous South African boxers whose achievements go beyond the regular. They all left a mark in history and how boxing is looked upon these days. Some of these famous names include Vuyani Bungu, Dingaan Thobela, Willie Toweel, Laurie Stevens, there are many more worth mentioning names but these few definitely top our list of the best famous South African boxers. The country has a rich history in boxing and has given the world some great names.