RIP Corrie Sanders
September 24, 2012 in Uncategorized
I was shocked when I read the news yesterday about Corrie Sanders’ untimely death. While I’m not very big on boxing, there are still some legends of the sport that I still follow and I can’t wait for the likes of Lewis, Tysen and Hollyfield to return. These were all great fighters that were known even by those who have never seen a boxing bout in their lives.
Less known, but just as astute as the above mentioned trio as a fighter, was Corrie Sanders. Corrie was a fighter in the true essence of the word. I don’t know if it was due to his nationality of because of his personality, but he wasn’t a fighter that was able to draw the big crowds and huge TV coverage. He also was known as one of the hardest hitters in the sport. This, combined with his limited marketability, made him a high risk low reward opponent. You stand a chance of getting punched out of your socks for twelve rounds (Or connect with the floor in two rounds) and you wont get paid much for your trouble.
In 2000, Sanders fought Hasim Rahman and lost by a technical knock-out in the seventh round. Both men were struck down in the third round and Rahman managed to down Corrie in the fourth round as well. After the fight Rahman, who beat Lennox Lewis in 2001 for the title, had this to say: “I’ve never been hit like that in my life!”
These were the words of a man who have fought against the best there was.
A while back I did a post on my greatest sporting memories.http://blogs.sport24.co.za/gertbloues/2012/05/08/sporting-moments-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-part-one/ Corrie’s fight against Wladimer Klitschko also featured in this post. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqEANlBbhsA
Corrie Sanders was shot during a robbery at a restaurant in Brits on Saturday evening. He succumbed to his wounds early on Sunday morning. According to his wife, the last she saw was when he dove to protect his daughter. He whispered in his daughter’s ear that she must pretend that she is dead. He was found laying over her by the paramedics.
My condolences to anybody who knew this legend personally and I hope that his final act can give you peace after his horrible death.
Corrie was a man who made us proud to be South African on numerous occasions, but he died in a manner that made us less proud of our country.
Cheers!!!
Bloues
powa said on September 24, 2012
amen!
Jason Brown said on September 24, 2012
I met Corrie Sanders once at Wingate Park Country Club in Pretoria a few years ago, when I was over from the UK visiting my parents. I was struck by what a down-to-earth gentleman Corrie was. My Dad knew him quite well, and saw him for the last time on Thursday – (they often played golf together). He remarked today when I spoke to him, how Corrie would often joke around with him in a good natured way, and called him ‘Uncle Terry’. He had amazing hand speed for a heavyweight fighter, and had the knack of pin-point accuracy in his punching, reminiscent of the great Muhammad Ali. It’s probably true, that most other heavyweights of the day considered Sanders too dangerous to take on. We can only hope they catch the scumbags who took away the life of such a natural talent, and decent human being. RIP
gertbloues said on September 25, 2012
It’s sad indeed. He wasn’t a show man like most of his counterparts, so he didn’t draw the big TV money like Lewis, Tysen, The Brothers etc. But, like you said, he had a huge accurate punch and fighting him was a huge risk for the superstars of his time.
Deidre Hall said on September 25, 2012
Rus in vrede Corrie. Ek was saam jou en Michael in Brits Hoerskool (jy later Wagpos toe) en ek en my gesin is erg geskok. My hart gaan uit na jou familie, Michael: laat weet asb wanneer en waar die begrafnis gaan wees. Ek is seker die hele Brits sal daar wil wees. Ons gaan jou baie mis. Deidre Hall (Strydom)
REM said on September 25, 2012
I met him when in Jozi for business once. Actually saw him,and knew that he was a boxer.Down to earth and friendly. Potra Riposare In Pace Corrie
klaas wolthers said on September 25, 2012
RIP Corrie, Holland shows his respect here, we wish family and friends all the best!!