Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has extended condolences on the death of one of South Africa’s most prolific boxing trainers and promoters Nick Durandt, who died in a motorbike accident near Clarens in the Free State on Friday.
"Mr Durandt has, during his career, produced 95 champions, including 38 world champions and 27 international champions through the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, WBF, and IBO organisations," he said in a statement on Saturday.
Champions under his belt included, among others, Thulani "Sugarboy" Malinga, three-times South African and three-times world champion Phillip Ndou, as well as Cassius Baloyi.
“South Africa has lost one of its best trainers in the history of boxing, who was not only a trainer, promoter, manager, but also a father figure to his stellar trainees. Mr Durandt was renowned for taking young boys out of the streets and making champions out of them. He also represented and positioned our country’s boxing talent among the best in the world. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Durandt family and the entire boxing fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Zuma said.