Tribute: R.I.P Nick Durandt

As outspoken, controversial and hard as well-known blonde-haired, heavily tattooed, gold jewellery-laden Nick Durandt may have seemed, these were merely outward reflections of his incredible passion.

A passion for life, a passion for people and a passion for creating dreams.

Larger than life, often regarded as rude, aggressive and short-tempered, he was quite simply a no-nonsense man who lived life on his own terms.

He once told me when I was a young licensed television ring announcer that he was simply born with a B*%#$**t filter.

One thing is for certain – He won’t only be remembered as one of the country’s greatest boxing trainers ever produced, but equally for his flamboyant personality.

He produced 95 South African champions in every weight division, 38 world champions and 27 International champions in every credible boxing organisation, before calling time on his career in May 2016.

Again he bowed out on his own terms, citing the dire state of South African boxing and incompetent administrators as his major reason for throwing in the towel.

Not a bad career record for a man who never boxed at any level prior to turning his attention to training, managing and mentoring fighters.

Discipline was not negotiable and his charges never entered a ring in anything but peak physical condition.

It wasn’t uncommon for a boxer to be chased away from Durandt’s gym if he didn’t comply with the trainer’s strict training regimen.

His strict discipline and uncompromising nature also carried over into the management sphere of his business.

He was a very tough negotiator and always put his fighters first, never allowing them to be trodden on or abused by promoters and agents.

I recall a fuming Durandt being expelled from his corner and banished to the ringside seats after having strong words with referee Simon Xamlashe over his seemingly impartial handling of a fight.

 His response when pressed for a comment by a television interviewer was simply “S%#t happens.”

 I recall Durandt’s often-animated motivational speeches between rounds to his fighters and it wasn’t uncommon for him to even slap his charge across the face to find that extra spark when the chops were down.

As good as he was in his chosen profession, Durandt was never shy to learn from others and spent time with some of the best in the business like Lou Duva, Freddie Roach and George Benton.

The list of more prominent fighters that have fallen under Durandt’s mentorship almost reads like a who’s who of South African boxing.

Former WBC middleweight champion Thulani "Sugarboy" Malinga, three-time SA and world champion, Phillip “Timebomb” Ndou, Cassius Baloyi, Silence Mabuza, Isaac Hlatshwayo, Jacob Mofokeng, Jeffrey Mathebula, Malcolm Klassen, Siphiwe Nonqayi, Hawk Makepula, Zolani Tete and Moruti Mthalane top the long list.

Sport ran deep in the veins of the Durandt family. Nick was the son of Cliff Durandt, who played professional football for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic and arrived in South Africa as a youngster. His son is following in his father’s footsteps and is an up-and-coming trainer.

He first learned his trade under the guidance of former multiple South African and Empire champion Willie Toweel.

When he quit full time training, Durandt handed his boxing gym business over to his son Damien to manage.

Never was his compassion and soft inner side better demonstrated than when he broke down when handing the reins over to Damien during a press conference in Johannesburg on May 2016. In a never to be forgotten father-son moment, Damien ran across the room to embrace his father.

Nick Durandt Accolades:

2002 King Korn/Boxing SA Trainer of the Year

2009 Boxing SA Trainer of the Year

2004 Boxing SA Special Award

2007 Boxing SA Manager of the Year

2008 Boxing SA Manager of the Year 2009 Boxing SA Manager of the Year

R.I.P Nick Durandt (December 26, 1963- April 21, 2017)