LEGACY

Damien Durandt, the eldest son of legendary boxing trainer Nick Durandt, was born into the world of gloves and knockouts. From an early age, he was ringside at boxing events—carrying buckets, walking fighters to the ring, and absorbing the atmosphere of championship nights. At just fourteen, Damien earned his Seconds License, allowing him to work the corner alongside his father during professional bouts. He traveled the globe with Nick for title fights, learning from some of the greatest minds in the sport. This hands-on experience gave Damien an unparalleled foundation—knowledge and insight that many trainers and managers spend decades trying to acquire.

 

In May 2016, when Nick Durandt announced his retirement, Damien chose to carry forward the family legacy. Determined to prove that boxing excellence was in his blood, he took the reins of the Durandt name and never looked back! Since then, he has produced more than 20 champions and continues to bring flair, passion, and professionalism to the sport.

 

Beyond managing and training professional fighters, Damien is active in the gym, coaching members of the public and passing on his wealth of boxing knowledge. His dedication paid off in January 2020 when, just three and a half years after taking over from his late father, he guided Ilunga Junior Makabu to win the WBC Cruiserweight World Title — earning Damien the prestigious WBC Trainer Belt.

 

His impact on the sport was further recognised when he was named Manager of the Year at the 2023 South African Boxing Awards. Damien continues to uphold the Durandts' legacy — shaping the future of boxing, one fighter at a time!