Legend Lost: Israel Khonkobe, South African Boxing Star, Dies at 76
- South Africa mourns the passing of Israel ‘The Speed Fire’ Khonkobe, a boxing icon whose career spanned nearly two decades
- The former national featherweight champion fought across the country, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring generations of boxers
- Even after retiring, Khonkobe continued to contribute to boxing and was honoured as one of the country’s legendary fighters, ensuring his legacy lives on
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has paid tribute to legendary boxer Israel Khonkobe, who passed away on Saturday, September 6 2025, at the age of 76 after a period of illness.
Khonkobe, famously known as ‘The Speed Fire,’ was a former South African Featherweight champion born on 10 February in Kimberley.
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His boxing career spanned nearly two decades, from 1969 to 1988, during which he compiled an impressive record of 42 wins, 16 losses, and 7 draws.
Khonkobe fought across South Africa, with bouts in Cape Town, Gqeberha, Springs, Tembisa, Mdantsane, Mthatha, Pretoria, and King William’s Town.
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He won the Cape Non-White flyweight title in November 1972 after defeating Andile Tywabi. In April 1976, he narrowly missed out on the provincial Non-White bantamweight belt, losing to Mzukisi Skweyiya at Zwide Stadium, Gqeberha.
In 1981, Khonkobe claimed the Free State featherweight belt at Monyakeng Hall in Wesselsbron before becoming South African champion by defeating Victor Mkhohlakali in Welkom in 1984.
He eventually lost his national title to Norman Bromfield in Pretoria in 1985 and retired from professional boxing in 1988.
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Honoured by the Department of Sports after retirement
Even after retiring, Khonkobe continued to make meaningful contributions to the sport. On 31 March 2025, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture honoured him at Freedom Park as one of 36 South African boxing legends.
Minister McKenzie extended his condolences to Khonkobe’s children, family, friends, fellow boxing legends, and the countless fans he inspired.
“South Africa has lost one of her finest fighters and a true legend of the ring, but his spirit and contributions will forever live on in the story of South African boxing,” he said.
Boxing SA CEO Tsholofelo Lejaka also expressed grief over his passing:
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of North Cape boxing legend, Israel ‘The Speed Fire’ Khonkobe. Bro Speed passed away on Saturday, September 6, following a three-week hospitalisation.”
Speed Fire dies a year later after the Rose of Soweto
The death of Khonkobe comes just a year after the passing of fellow boxing legend Dingaan Thobela, who died on 24 April 2024.
Known as the Rose of Soweto, Thobela was a three-time world champion across two divisions and finished his career with 40 wins in 56 fights.
Former Orlando Pirates striker dies
Briefly News previously reported that former Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro has passed away at the age of 40 after reportedly battling a long-term illness.
The Zimbabwean international had a successful spell while playing in the Premier Soccer League. He arrived in South Africa 12 years ago when he joined Mpumalanga Black Aces after his impressive performance at the COSAFA Cup with the Warriors and Chicken Inn.
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