Former South African junior-flyweight champion Ndoda ‘Happyboy’ Mayende passed away on Tuesday evening after he was shot by unknown gunmen at his Duncan Village home. He was 54.
According to the police, Mayende was at home with his 11-year-old son when two men came and shot him once at close range. Mayende’s wife was at a neighbour’s house at the time of the incident.
Mayende, who was trained by the late Mzi Mnguni, won the SA title after he stopped Lizo Matayi in the 10th round at the Orient Theatre in East London in May 1999.
He went on to defend the national title twice against Morgan Ndumo and Vuyisile Bebe. He was dethroned by Bebe at the Mdantsane Indoor Sport Centre in October 2000.
The former Cape junior-flyweight and flyweight champion fought against the likes of Zolile Mbityi, Odwa Mdleleni and the late Jacob Matlala.
Mayende was involved in a fight against the late Clive Sikwebu in November 1991. Tragically, Sikwebu passed away from injuries after the fight.
