Who are the top fifty South African fighters of all time ?
For those of you who retain, or have a keen interest in South African boxing, here is a historical article from the doyen of boxing writing from that proud boxing nation, Ron Jackson. He is a former contributor to The Ring and South African Boxing World and has over seven decades of boxing knowledge and experience. Over the years he’s seen and met them all ! Over to Ron…..
I will try to rate in order, South Africa’s top fifty fighters of all-times. Any form of measurement is however subjective, but possibly the most asked question by fight fans when they get together is, who was the greatest or could boxer A from 1920 have beaten boxer B from 1960. There will be people out there who will not agree with my list or even express outrage at some of my selections, but anyhow here we go.
This is a very good exercise for boxing fans as everyone has their own favourite fighter and the undermentioned list only includes fighters who have retired.
1. Vic Toweel
2. Brian Mitchell
3. Vuyani Bungu
4. Enoch “Schoolboy” Nhlapo
5. Laurie Stevens
6. Gerrie Coetzee
7. Wille Toweel
8. Moruti Mthalane
9. Dingaan Thobela
10. Baby Jake Matlala
11. Jake Tuli
12. Pierre Fourie
13. Andries Steyn
14. Welcome Ncita
15. Mbulelo Botile
16. Thulani “Sugarboy” Malinga
17. Nkosana “Happyboy” Mgxaji
18. Corrie Sanders
19. Elijah Mokone
20. Lehlohonolo Ledwaba
21. Jacks Lalor
22. Ernie Eustice
23. Anthony Morodi
24. Hekkie Budler
25. Piet Crous
26. Pierre Coetzer
27. Ben Foord
28. Arthur Douglas
29. Gert Steyn
30. Nkosinathi Joyi
31. Mike Holt
32. Elijah “Tap Tap” Makhathini
33. Andrew Jeptha
34. Norman “Pangaman” Sekgapane
35. Joe “Axe Killer” Ngidi
36. Gert “Hottie” van Heerden
37. Arnold Taylor
38. Johnny “Smiler” van Rensburg
39. Peter Mathebula
41. Barney Malone
42. Willie Ludick
43. Watty Austin
44. Jimmy Toweel
45. Eddie Maguire
46. Harold Volbrecht
47. Arthur Mayisela
48 Don McCorkindale
49. Lovemore Ndou
50. Simon Skosana
This list and Ron’s boxing knowledge and it’s history is further substantiated and explained in his book ‘Champions – An Illustrated History of SA Boxing’ published in 2017. This is the ‘go to’ book for all on South African fights and fighters.
The Undisputed 