Zolani Tete shot dead outside his home in South Africa

Zolani Tete, the former two-division champion, has passed away following a fatal shooting outside his home in Mdantsane, South Africa. According to South African authorities, two armed men in balaclavas shot Tete and a female companion while Tete was waiting at his gate. The female companion remains hospitalized, but Tete tragically did not survive.

Tete's career spanned three-division championships, including a brief reign as IBF International and Commonwealth Super Bantamweight titlist. He began his professional career with a loss to Moruti Mthalane in 2010, but bounced back to win the IBF super flyweight title in 2014. Tete then moved up to 118 pounds, securing the interim WBO title against Arthur Villanueva, and defended his belt successfully three times, including a record-breaking knockout of Siboniso Gonya in just 55 seconds.

However, a loss to John Riel Casimero resulted in a belt relinquishment, and a failed drug test for stanozolol led to a four-year suspension. That suspension expired last month, allowing Tete to return to the ring. He made a successful comeback by defeating Jason Cunningham in a memorable bout. Tete's legacy will be remembered as one of a highly accomplished and entertaining fighter, particularly in the lower weight classes.