Benoni-born boxing champion Willie Toweel dies, lauded for his talent
Benoni-born boxing champion Willie Toweel died in his home in Fontainebleau, close to Randburg, on Christmas Day.
The boxing champion was 83 years old.
Willie’s nephew, Alan Toweel Jr, said his uncle suffered from Alzheimer’s disease “for a few years and slowly deteriorated”.
Willie moved to Fontainebleau from Benoni in the late 1950s.
He said Willie fought in 56 matches.
“My grandfather (Willie’s father) Mike Toweel trained Willie for his first 10 matches, but Willie was a feisty boxer and he needed someone to control him. My father (Alan Toweel Sr) was the only one who could do that, so he took it from there,” said Alan.
Alan explained that Mike moved to South Africa from Lebanon in 1909 and was also a keen boxer, but his mother did not approve of the sport.
“He had a boxing ring at 12 Balfour Avenue in Benoni, opposite the railway station where he trained youngsters,” he said.
Jeff Ellis, whom Willie trained in the 1960s and owner of African Ring boxing website and online magazine, said his death is “a big loss for South African boxing”.
“When he [accidentally] killed Hubert Essakow, it affected him badly, but he still went to church every Sunday. He was just a phenomenal man,” he said.
He is also of the opinion that the Toweel dynasty “broke the barriers” of boxing in South Africa.
READ:
The history of Benoni’s Lane of Fame
He said the family met with former president Nelson Mandela and arranged the first ever multiracial boxing match in South Africa.
Ron Jackson, author of the History of South African Boxing and SuperSport columnist, said he knew Willie for 50 years and he believes Willie was among the top 10 boxers who ever lived.
“He only lost six matches, and that was at the end of his career,” he said.
Ron added that “Willie would have done even better if Hubert Essakow didn’t die”, and believes Willie was never the same after that.
“In my opinion, I think the Toweel family is the best boxing family to ever exist,” said the boxing expert.
He explained Willie held four South African titles in the Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight and Welterweight divisions.
“He was just a brilliant man,” he added.
Willie is survived by his wife Alida Toweel and his three daughters Gaby Toweel Shalala, Samantha Toweel Moore and Natalie Toweel.
Willie’s name is honoured in Benoni’s Lane of Fame.
Also read:
House robbers sentenced to 15 years in prison
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
