South African Boxing Icon Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete Gunned Down Outside Home
Boxing SA has confirmed the tragic passing of former world champion Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete, who was killed in his hometown of Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.
According to reports, the 38-year-old was shot dead on Friday while returning home from a training session as he prepared for a scheduled ring comeback in November.
Tete, who was working toward a return to elite competition following a four-year suspension, was widely regarded as one of South Africa’s premier boxing talents and a proud ambassador for the Eastern Cape province.
Tete compiled over 400 amateur bouts under the tutelage of South African boxing legend Vuyani Bungu before turning professional in May 2006.
Guinness World Record: Tete’s 11-second stoppage of Siboniso Gonya in Belfast stands as the fastest knockout in world title fight history, with the initial land registered in under 6 seconds.
Career Accomplishments & Highlights
- Two-Division World Champion: Held the IBF Junior Bantamweight (super flyweight) title from 2014 to 2015 and the WBO Bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019.
- Fastest Knockout in World Title History: Set a world record on November 18, 2017, by knocking out Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds (with the decisive single punch landing inside 6 seconds) to retain his WBO bantamweight belt in Belfast.
- Professional Record: Compiled a 30–5 record with 23 knockouts, earning a reputation for stopping elite opposition across the UK, Japan, and Mexico.
- South African Boxing Legacy: Anchored a golden era of South African lower-weight world champions alongside contemporaries such as Moruti Mthalane.
