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A Tribute
to Nick Durandt!
The sad news reverberated around
South African and world boxing
last week with the tragic
passing of larger than life,
outspoken and flamboyant trainer
Nick Durandt, who was fatally
injured in a motor bike accident
near Clarens in the Free State
Province of South Africa.
I knew Nick for at least thirty
years. He was a world class
trainer, hard as nails on the
surface, and a trainer who
demanded nothing but the best
from his fighters. He was tough
on his boxers, but in truth he
treated them all with respect,
dignity and as family.
Born in England in 1963, as it
would happen ironically on
Boxing Day, Nick was in a class
of his own. When he entered a
room, every single head turned.
It was as if thunder and
lightning had arrived. The
charismatic man was in a league
at the very top.
As a trainer, his successes were
unrivaled. Almost 40 world
champions, 98 South African
champions and hundreds of
regional champions – an
incredible record.
In December last year, Nick
received a lifetime boxing award
at the South African boxing
awards dinner, and while this
was an acknowledgment of his
massive contribution to boxing,
it barely touched the surface.
I had huge admiration for Nick.
Always sharp with his tongue,
always dripping in gold rings
and chains, always the center of
attraction, but deep down, a
humble, respectful, dignified
and caring human being.
The WBF conveys its condolences
to Nick's family in these
difficult times, but know that
Nick will be remembered for
adding so much to boxing in
general.
RIP Nick Durandt – gone but
never forgotten!
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing
Federation
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