Giyani-born former South African welterweight champion Joseph Tsakani ‘Smokin’ Joe’ Makaringe passed away on Thursday night after a short illness. He was 49.
Makaringe ruled the South African welterweight division for six years having won the national title after he stopped Virgil Kalakoda in the 10th round at the Wembley Indoor Arena in Johannesburg in February 2000.
He went on to make 10 successive title defences and only Harold Volbrecht defended his national crown more than him. Boksburg-born Volbrecht defended his SA welterweight title a record 19 times.
Makaringe’s last fight was a loss to Isaac Hlatshwayo in a vacant International Boxing Organisation (IBO) welterweight title contest at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park in May 2007. He chalked up 30 wins with 25 knockouts and four defeats.
