Synopsis "Rose of Soweto: The Dingaan Thobela story (in English)"
The Rose of Soweto, is not just a boxing or a sport's book, it goes deeper and uncovers the man behind the legend. It's an inspiring tale that will appeal to all readers who enjoy a good dramatic and moving story and those with an interest in the human condition. Boxing may have been the tool used by Dingaan Thobela to rise up against the odds to move from rags to riches, but his story proves that no matter what circumstance you are born into, no matter the adversity placed before you, you can retain your integrity and good guys can win!Many ask what is the point of boxing? Who is the god of boxing? You may as well ask; What is the point of life? Who is the god of llife? In reality boxing is reflective of everything. The noble art is but a symbolic metaphor for the struggles and challenges we are all faced with in life. Many tales have been told of boxers who have risen up agaist the odds to achieve success in their lives. None, however has been as dramatic and had such a profoundly inspirational influence on the people who shared the dream as the true life story of the man they call; The Rose of Soweto.Dingaan Thobela, 'The Rose of Soweto' has been described as the most naturally talented boxer ever to come out of South Africa and one of the greatest counter punchers in the world. His array of combinations and precision placed uppercuts where to many a symphony, poetry in motion delivered with flare, charisma and charm. This placed him on a supreme level seldom seen in the brutal world of pugilism..Growing up in Chiawela under the watchful eye of his grandmother, this is the story of how a poor, skinny boy from Soweto overcame adversity to become one of the greatest boxers ever to lace up a pair of gloves. Starting his career as a raw 17 year- old with a passion for boxing, Dingaan Thobela would go on to become a two-time lightweight world champion by the ge of 26. Fame and fortune followed but the fairy tale that his life had become was not to last. After relinquishing his WBO world title undefeated and losing his WBA world title, he was to endure 7 years of mixed fortunes and bitter disappointment untill he found himself on the verge of being consigned to history books. Written off in the media and no longer able to make the weight to fight in the lightweight division, it looked as if The Rose of Soweto had no other option but to fade away quietly. His long held dream of emulating his idol Muhammed Ali and winning a third world title seemed an impossible one. Yet, Dingaan refused to give up. He would not be denied. This is the novella of how one man went about proving that no matter where you come from, no matter what your background and social standing, you can truimph in the face of adversity. And then he proved it all over again. In doing so he would not only regain his crown as the champion of the people and once again be hailed as a unifying symbol in a racially divided nation, but he would also confirm his place alongside the greatest stars that boxing has ever produced.Rising from the ashes of disparity.is not easy, but it is in the darkest hours that the smallest light shines the brightest.
