Boxing South Africa (BSA) is mourning following the death of one of most recognisable figures and constant features in Eastern Cape boxing Louis Wonga Smith, who passed away early on Tuesday morning. He was 96.
Bhuti Louis as Smith was known in Eastern Cape boxing circles had been a glove steward for many years. By the time of his death, Smith had not been active in boxing because of advanced age and ill-health.
“Boxing arenas will never be the same again in the Eastern Cape owing to the absence of this towering figure of a veteran glove steward, Bro Louis Smith, who sadly passed away,” a BSA statement said on Tuesday morning.
“Boxing SA would like to convey her sincerest condolences to Bro Louis’ family, friends and the boxing fraternity at large. The quiet, yet so effective Smith did his job with precision and passion as he mastered the job of being a glove steward for many years. Always geared up in his Boxing SA uniform, Bro Louis was always punctual for tournaments and ready to deliver his duties for the success of boxing tournaments and took his job very serious.”
Due to his dedication to the sport, Smith received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Boxing Awards ceremony, which was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban last June.
