Already troubled South African boxing is under a dark cloud following the passing away of one of most recognisable figures and constant features in Eastern Cape boxing, especially in the Buffalo City Metropolitan, Louis Wonga Smith who drew his last breath early on Tuesday morning. He was 96.
Smith, a much loved glove steward, had not been active in boxing lately because of age and ill-health. As a sign of respect, young and old involved in boxing called him bhuti Louis.
And it would be a miscarriage of justice should Smith’s name be forgotten when the history of South African boxing is written as his involvement in the fistic sport dated back to many decades ago.
A boxing servant, Smith began his journey in the fistic sport in 1954 after he started out as a weightlifter. As an amateur fighter, Smith was one of the pioneers when boxing started in Duncan Village in 1955 and he, however, never turned professional.
It was only in 1974, at 47 years old, that Smith started to get involved in professional boxing and he always mentioned that it was not easy for him at the time as only white officials were allowed to take part. It was at that time that then Border Boxing Board chairperson, the late Les Muller, invited Smith to become a glove steward, a duty he performed with enthusiasm, much vigour and energy.
“My main duty is to make sure that all participating boxers get gloves on time. I go from change room to change room to deliver gloves. I also go to different change rooms to collect gloves after each an every bout. I’m still strong and will continue until my knees can’t take it anymore,” Smith said in an interview with Ink Sport in June 2021.
And because of 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.
