Former WBO Champion Zolani Tete Shot Dead In South Africa

Former WBO bantamweight champion Zolani Tete was shot and killed outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa on Friday. He was 38.

Tete was ambushed by two armed suspects wearing balaclavas as he waited for his gate to open, according to ESPN. A 27-year-old woman in the vehicle with him suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was hospitalized. Police confirmed the attackers fled the scene.

Tete Was Training For Comeback After Suspension

South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed the former champion's death. Tete held the WBO bantamweight strap from 2017 to 2019 and finished his career 29-4 with 22 knockouts across 34 professional fights.

His last bout came in 2022 against Jason Cunningham in London, a win that was later ruled a no contest when Tete tested positive for a banned substance. He served a four-year suspension that expired last month.

Tete was reportedly in training for a return to the ring at the time of his death.

Source: espn.com