By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The legendary boxer, Israel “Speed Fire” Khonkhobe, has died on Saturday at the age of 76 after a period of illness, the department of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed.
Khonkhobe was born on 10 February 1949 in Kimberley, the City of Diamonds. He rose to become one of the most decorated fighters to come out of the Northern Cape.
A former South African Featherweight Champion, his professional career spanned nearly two decades from 1969 to 1988. Over the course of his career, he amassed a record of 42 wins, 16 losses and 7 draws. In his prime, Galeshewe Stadium became his fortress, a place where thousands gathered to witness the brilliance, speed and fire that defined his fighting style.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has offered his condolences following the passing of a Khonkhobe.
His passing is a great loss to the boxing fraternity and the sporting heritage of South Africa, said McKenzie.
Khonkhobe’s contribution to boxing extended beyond the ring. On 31 March 2025, at Freedom Park in the City of Tshwane, he was among 36 boxing legends honoured by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. This was a fitting tribute that gave him his flowers while he could still smell them. It was a moment that celebrated the hero he was and the inspiration he remains.
Recalling that occasion, McKenzie said: “Today some of these legends are no longer in the best shape due to old age and other hardships that come with time. In our hearts, however, they remain the heroes and heroines we have always known them to be. We love them, we cherish them, and we are proud to show it.”
McKenzie extended his deepest condolences to Bro Speed Fire’s children, family, friends, fellow boxing legends and the countless fans whose lives he touched. He said South Africa had 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.