Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie is mourning following the passing away of legendary boxer Israel ‘Speed Fire’ Khonkhobe.
The former South African featherweight champion, who lived in Galeshewe, Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, passed away on Saturday.
Before he passed away, the 76-year-old Khonkhobe spent three weeks in hospital.
“His passing is a great loss to the boxing fraternity and the sporting heritage of South Africa,” McKenzie said.
Khonkhobe’s professional career spanned nearly two decades from 1969 until 1988 where he registered 42 wins with six knockouts, 16 defeats and seven draws.
Khonkhobe fought against the likes of Welile Nkosinkulu, Patrick Mboma, Tennyson Molebeledi, Mzukisi Skweyiya, Johannes Sithebe, Leslie Pikoli and Chris Dlamini just to mention a few.
In his prime, Galeshewe Stadium became his fortress, a place where thousands gathered to witness his brilliance, speed and fire which defined his fighting style.
Meanwhile, Khonkhobe was one of the 36 boxing legends who were honoured by the Deprtment of Sport, Arts and Culture at Freedom Park, Pretoria, in March.
