The World Boxing Federation (WBF) sends its condolences to the family and friends of 2011 WBF Promoter of the Year Damian Michael from South Africa, who recently lost his battle with cancer and passed away at only forty-two years of age.
In November of 2011, Mr. Michael made a grand entrance in big-time boxing when he staged a massive show at the Monte Casino in Johannesburg, featuring six WBF championship fights, five of them for world titles, headlined by Francois Botha vs. Michael Grant for World Heavyweight honours.
“Damian was a really special guy. The life of the party”, said WBF President Howard Goldberg of his departed countryman. “He did everything in style, and was so fun to be around but at the same time very professional.”
“I will never forget the morning after the show at Monte Casino, where he, Francois Botha and myself were having breakfast. Even though his guy, Francois, has lost, Damian was so animated and excited. He had a larger-than-life personality, and will be sorely missed by so many.”
Mr. Michael leaves behind his wife and two young daughters, with whom he lived in Austria. Taken far too young, may he rest in peace!
