President Zuma, sports Minister pay tribute to Nick Durandt

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Pretoria- President Jacob Zuma and Minister of Sport Thulas Nxesi have joined the country in paying tribute to one of South Africa’s most prolific boxing trainer and promoter Nick Durandt.

Durandt died on Friday  in a motorbike accident near Clarens in the Free State province.

In statement on Saturday, President Zuma said Durandt left a great legacy

“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. 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,” said President Zuma

During his career,he  produced 95 champions, including 38 world champions and 27 international champions through the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, WBF and IBO organizations.

Champions under his belt include amongst others Thulani "Sugarboy" Malinga, three-time South African and three-time world champion Phillip Ndou as well as Cassius Baloyi.

Minister Nxesi for his part, expressed his heartfelt and deep condolences to the family, friends of the late Durandt.

"Though words cannot be enough to express our condolences to the Durant family, we hope they find comfort in the messages of support given to them by the sports fraternity and the boxing family at large,” the Minister said.

As part of our tribute to Durant, Minister Nxesi said the Ministry of Sport and Recreation strives to continue to support boxing and further ensures that it continues to grow as a well-respected sport. –SAnews.gov.za