South African boxing has started the year on a bad note with the passing away of Gauteng-based veteran ring official Sazi Xamlashe, a former boxer.
Xamlashe, who was born in Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape, passed away in Cape Town on Sunday following complications from a recent operation.
In a career spanning more than 30 years as a ring official, Xamlashe officiated in many world and South African title fights.
Notably, he was one of the judges when Moruti Mthalane stopped Zolani Tete in fifth round during an International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title fight at the Carnival City in Brakpan, Ekurhuleni, in September 2010.
