Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Final-round bell sounds for legendary trainer Durandt
NICK Durandt returned to the boxing ring one last time yesterday.
And as usual, he was the centre of attention.
His casket was placed in a boxing ring at Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, as hundreds of close friends and family bid their final farewell to the legendary boxing trainer.
The 53 year old, who produced over 95 South African champions in 17 weight divisions, and over 30 world champions and 27 international champions, died last month after his motorcycle collided with a vehicle in Clarens in the Free State.
Among the mourners, were his fellow bikers from the Crusaders club as well as members of the boxing community who included legends, like Dingaan Thobela.
Durandt’s eldest son, Damian, paid homage to his father. “My dad will be fondly remembered for his sense of humour, his distinctive use of language, and a passion for his family.
“Nothing was ever too much to ask. He went above and beyond to make people happy. “Although he was always first in the ring, when it came to family and friends he was last.”
He described his father as a ‘flamboyant’ character who had stood for dedication, determination, hard work, focus, generosity, and charisma.
“For most these were the traits he was admired and loved for. He touched so many lives in so many individual special ways and for that he will be truly remembered. “Despite his tough macho exterior he was always well spoken, intelligent and straight to the point.
“When you met him for the first time, most people found him intimidating, but in the end they were left intrigued and fascinated.”
Damien also paid tribute to his father’s contribution to boxing in South Africa. Dur- andt was affectionately known as “Mthakathi” in boxing circles.
“He had the wizardry of turning young men from the townships into world champions and he also possessed the ability to motivate and train up and coming champions.
“He had an amazing record of having produced 163 champions and he was dedicated to each and every individual.”
Durand’s friend, former boxer Mikey Schultz, said he was fortunate to have travelled the world with the trainer. “Nick was that person that would speak his mind.. He would say it the way it was and a lot of people didn’t like that because there’s a thin line between arrogance and confidence. Nick was a very confi- dent person.”
Boxing South Africa chairwoman Muditambi Ravele said Durandt was one of the best trainers SA has ever seen.
“His death is a great loss because he was one of the best trainers we have had in the country.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Eastern Cape MEC for Sport Pemmy Majodina who said Durandt had a special bond with her province because of the many champions he produced from there.
“He was one of our own. He was a leader, a legend, a community developer.”
A letter sent to the Durandt family by President Jacob Zuma was also read out at the memorial. “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,” Zuma’s letter read.