Nick Durandt despondent with the state of SA boxing
An era came to an end on Wednesday when 52-year-old Nick Durandt, who has produced more champions than any other trainer in the history of South African boxing officially announced his retirement from the game after 29 years of training and managing fighters.
Flamboyant, colourful and very controversial at times, the trainer recognisable for his long blond main, tattoos and gold jewellery, announced his decision at his Melrose gym in Johannesburg, which will continue operating under the tutelage of his oldest son, Damien.
He has produced 38 world champions, 28 International champions and 97 South African champions, among them Sugarboy Malinga, Philip Ndou, Cassius Baloyi, Hawk Makepula and Silence Mabuza.
He is also known as one of the toughest trainers in the game and for the immaculate conditioning of his boxers.
Durandt has collected numerous accolades, including being named Manager of the Year for three consecutive years, between 2007 and 2009.
Durandt says the time is right to move on while he's still at the top of his game but sadly conceded that the current state of South African boxing and it's alarming downward slide in the past five years also made his decision a bit easier.
He also attributed the the decline of the once thriving sport in the country to the four year television blackout by the national broadcaster caused by administrators as well as the total lack of sponsorship.
"World champions are supposed to be national assets, yet they fight once a year if they are lucky," he added.
" I have lived a fighters life for 29 years now and I owe it to myself and my family to live life going forward. Boxing has given me a fantastic life and if I were asked what I would have done differently, I would answer that I would do the same all over again and change nothing."