The Free State boxing fraternity has suffered another crushing blow following the death of illustrious boxer Anthony Moloisane (30) from Senekal.
He and another victim, whose identity was not revealed, died on 25 December due to alleged carbon monoxide poisoning.
Moloisane was laid to rest on Thursday (06/01).
He was the African Boxing Union’s reigning junior lightweight champion for the Southern African Development Community.
He claimed this title after beating opponent Romeo Makwakwa from Malawi during a tournament in Kroonstad in December 2020.
In his professional career, spanning 21 fights, he recorded six losses, one draw and 14 wins. Some of his wins came through knockouts and technical knockouts.
Moloisane fought in at least two competitive divisions, namely the super featherweight and the junior lightweight division. He was ranked third in the junior lightweight division in Boxing South Africa’s ratings.
Out of the more than 150 boxers in the country, Moloisane counted among the three top-ranked fighters from the Free State.
Affectionately known as “Pitbull”, Moloisane had ambitions to conquer the continent and annex prestigious titles.
At the time of his passing, he had set his sights on the vacant World Boxing Organization’s Africa junior lightweight title.
However, this bout was cancelled at the 11th hour when he was due to travel to Accra in Ghana to compete against Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab for the vacant continental title.
Moloisane relocated to Johannesburg to pursue his professional boxing career.
Daniel Koekemoer, co-trainer of the late boxer, expressed his shock at Moloisane’s death on his Facebook page.
“We started out as friends, but soon became family. I have no words and I can’t understand why this has happened to the most genuine, kind, humble and honest human being I have ever met.
“I hope one day I can find the words to honour you properly, but for now all I can say is that I love you, champ, and so do my family. I promise that I will do my best to make sure that your name is remembered and to let your daughters know what a great man you were.”
- Moloisane’s death came mere days after that of Johnny Oliphant. Oliphant, who represented the Free State in amateur and professional ranks, died on 7 December after a short illness.
