Boxing South Africa (BSA) has paid tribute to the late Dr Steven Saad, who passed away aged 71 on Monday.
Saad, who spent 28 years serving South African boxing as a medical commissioner, contributed immensely in the fistic sport.
“Boxing South Africa has lost one of its greatest titans in the medical team, Dr Steven Saad. Since his first appointment as a medical commissioner in 1997, he gave 28 unbroken years of his life to serving, protecting and uplifting the fistic sport,” a BSA statement said on Wednesday morning.
Born in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, Saad, who passed away at the Park Lane Clinic in Johannesburg following a short illness, would have turned 72 years old on the 11th of November.
“Dr Saad represented more than a medical professional. He became an advisor, a guide to those he worked closely in particular Gauteng povincial manager, Mr Lehlohonolo Ramagole, whom he took under his wing on his early days as a boxer. He extended his generosity to assist other boxers as well who could not afford medical services,” the BSA statement further said.
“He treated every boxer and official with the same unwavering respect, care and professionalism. His ringside presence was like a shield of protection to those in the industry. He embodied sacrifice, humility and a heart overflowing with compassion.
“Today, the boxing fraternity mourns not only a giant of medicine, but a soul who gave everything to this sport. His contribution is etched in the very foundation of South African boxing and his legacy will live on through every life he touched, saved and inspired.
“Boxing SA would like extend deepest message of condolences to his family and loved ones. May they find comfort in knowing how deeply he was loved and how profoundly he will be missed.”
