BONGANI "Sweet Pie" Dlamini, the charismatic and formidable fighter from Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, died in a car accident in Johannesburg on Sunday morning.

His sobbing manager, Jodi Solomons, confirmed yesterday.

"I got a call from Bongani's wife (Mpho) that Bongani was involved in a car accident. I also received another call confirming that he had passed away. We went to the accident scene. The car was a complete wreckage," said Solomons battling to hold back tears.

"I went to the mortuary to identify his body. Bongani was my baby and I will miss him dearly."

Three passengers including Dlamini's elder brother Ashley survived.

Ashley is also a professional boxer trained by Colin Nathan. Ashley blew Richard Khunou away in one round at Emperors Palace on Monday last week.

Bongani was to fight for the South African lightweight title in October. He earned the right in June when he pulverised Samkelo Fani in the title eliminator.

Dlamini, 24, was a very talented boxer who had the makings of a champion. He feared no one and packed a mean punch which saw eight of his nine victims gasping for air. He had only two losses.

In January last year, Mlungisi "The Shark" Dlamini, another charming and incredible fighter from KwaZulu-Natal, died in a car accident.

He was undefeated WBF lightweight champion and had just won the IBO strap.

A year before, WBF featherweight title holder Ludumo "Pretty Boy" Galada who also died in a car accident as did Arthur "Fighting Prince" Mayisela in September 1986.