The boxing fraternity is mourning the death of former boxing champion Gabula “The Tiger” Vabaza in East London, Eastern Cape. Vabaza died in East London on Tuesday at the age of 40.
The former South African flyweight and World Boxing Union super flyweight champion died after a long illness.
His career was cut short by illness in 2006 when he failed a medical test on the eve of a world title fight. Vabaza was one of East London’s many world champions and was destined for greatness, before poor health cut his career short at the age of 28.
In August 2006, on the eve of his fight for the vacant International Boxing Federation junior feather weight title against Steve Molitor of Canada, he received shattering news that he had failed his medical. He never fought again.
Vabaza was unbeaten in 24 fights as a professional before his premature retirement.
After winning the South African flyweight title in 1999 he cleaned up the division before moving up a weight. While some boxers tend to lose their punching power when they move to higher divisions, Vabaza went to the super flyweight division and still had a powerful punch.
Funeral arrangements yet to be confirmed.
