LEGEND

Nicholas Durandt : South Africa’s Wizard of Boxing

 

Nicholas Durandt, son of renowned footballer Clifford Durandt — who proudly represented Wolverhampton Wanderers in the late 1950s — was born on Boxing Day, 26 December 1963, in Wolverhampton, England. At the age of five, Nick moved to South Africa, a country that would later become the stage for his extraordinary contribution to the sport of boxing.

 

Drawing inspiration and knowledge from some of the greatest trainers in world boxing — including Tommy Brooks, Hall of Famer Lou Duva, George Benton, Alton Merkerson, and Freddie Roach — Nick quickly rose through the ranks to become the most successful boxing trainer in South African history. Revered across the nation and known by the nickname 'Mthakathi', meaning Wizard, Durandt was the heartbeat of South African boxing for over three decades.

 

Throughout his illustrious career, Durandt trained an astounding 97 National Champions, 38 World Champions, and 28 International Champions. His influence was instrumental in shaping the careers of some of the country’s finest pugilists : Phillip Ndou, Thulani 'Sugar Boy' Malinga, Malcolm Klassen, Cassius Baloyi, Silence Mabuza, Isaac Hlatshwayo, Moruti Mthalane, and even World Heavyweight Champion Hasim Rahman. It was under Nick’s uncompromising and disciplined regime that Rahman delivered one of boxing’s great upsets — knocking out Lennox Lewis at Carnival City in April 2001 to claim the World Heavyweight Crown.

 

Durandt’s contribution extended far beyond titles and trophies. He was a beacon of hope, known for taking young men from underprivileged backgrounds and transforming their lives through boxing. His gyms were sanctuaries where discipline, confidence, and excellence were forged — where boys became champions.

 

A multiple-time recipient of Trainer of the Year, Manager of the Year, and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Boxing Awards, Nick's legacy was officially honored posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Sports Awards in 2017. He is currently a nominee for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition for a man who built an empire of champions.

 

Nick Durandt’s name is etched in the annals of South African sports history. More than a trainer, he was a mentor, a visionary and a true wizard of the ring. He didn’t just create fighters — he created Champions Only.