Corrie Sanders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corrie Sanders |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Cornelius Johannes Sanders |
| Nickname(s) | The Sniper |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 1.93 m |
| Reach | 196 cm |
| Nationality | South African |
| Born | 7 January 1966 Brits, North West, South Africa |
| Died | 23 September 2012 (aged 46) Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 46 |
| Wins | 42 |
| Wins by KO | 31 |
| Losses | 4 |
Cornelius Johannes Sanders (born January 7, 1966 – died September 23, 2012) was a famous South African professional boxer. He competed from 1989 to 2008. Corrie, as he was known, was a heavyweight champion. He won the WBO heavyweight title in 2003. This happened after he knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in just two rounds. This victory was a huge surprise in boxing history!
Corrie was nicknamed "The Sniper." He was a southpaw, meaning he boxed with his left hand forward. He had a long reach and was famous for his incredibly strong left punch. He sadly passed away in 2012 after being shot during a robbery. Corrie Sanders also defeated other well-known boxers like Johnny Nelson and Bobby Czyz.
Contents
Corrie Sanders: Early Life and Amateur Boxing
Corrie Sanders grew up in a town called Brits in South Africa. He had two brothers or sisters. His family was of Afrikaner descent. When he was young, Corrie enjoyed playing many sports. He played rugby, cricket, and golf.
His uncle first introduced him to boxing. Corrie had a very successful amateur boxing career. He finished with an amazing record of 180 wins and only 11 losses. He even won the amateur South African heavyweight title four times! This was between 1985 and 1988.
Corrie Sanders' Professional Boxing Journey
Corrie Sanders started his professional boxing career in 1989. His very first fight was on April 2, 1989. He won by knocking out King Kong Dyubele in the first round! After that, he won his next 22 fights in a row. He knocked out 14 of those opponents.
During this winning streak, he beat boxers like Steve Zouski and Art Card. He also defeated Johnny Nelson, who later became a world champion. Another big win was against Bert Cooper. Corrie's first loss came in his 24th fight in 1994. He was knocked out by Nate Tubbs in the second round.
Big Fights and Challenges
After his first loss, Corrie fought 12 more times over the next five years. He had some impressive wins during this time. He knocked out Carlos De León, a former world champion, in the first round. He also knocked out another former champion, Bobby Czyz, in the second round.
Corrie then faced Hasim Rahman, who would later become a unified world heavyweight champion. Corrie lost this fight in the seventh round. It was a tough fight where both boxers knocked each other down! Corrie was actually ahead on points before the fight was stopped. Rahman later said that Corrie Sanders was one of the hardest punchers he had ever faced. Corrie returned to the ring in 2001 and 2002, winning against Michael Sprott and Otis Tisdale. His powerful left hand was a key weapon.
Becoming WBO Heavyweight Champion
Even though Corrie hadn't fought many rounds in the two years before, the WBO gave him a chance. They set up a fight for him against their heavyweight champion, Wladimir Klitschko. Corrie took the fight on short notice. Many people thought he would lose, with odds of 40 to 1 against him!
But on March 8, 2003, Corrie caused a huge surprise in Germany. He knocked down Klitschko four times! Corrie won the WBO belt by knocking him out in the second round. The Ring magazine called it the "Upset of the Year" for 2003. Wladimir Klitschko later said that Corrie Sanders was the hardest puncher he had ever fought.
Challenging for the WBC Heavyweight Title
After winning the WBO title, Corrie wanted to fight other champions. He first tried to set up a fight with Roy Jones Jr.. When that didn't work out, he was supposed to defend his WBO title. But because of issues with his promoter, that fight didn't happen.
So, Corrie decided to give up his WBO title. He signed a contract to fight for the vacant WBC belt. This big fight took place on April 24, 2004. Corrie fought against Vitali Klitschko, who was Wladimir's older brother. Vitali stopped Corrie in the eighth round of their fight in Los Angeles. After Corrie's passing, Vitali said that this was the hardest fight of his own career.
Eight months later, Corrie knocked out Alexei Varakin in the second round in Austria. He then took a break from boxing. Corrie returned in 2006, winning against Colin Wilson. He won another fight in South Africa in 2007 against Daniel Bispo. His very last fight was a loss to Osborne Machimana for the South African heavyweight title. Corrie fought that match even though he was injured. Corrie Sanders finished his career with 42 wins (31 by knockout) and only 4 losses.
Corrie Sanders' Personal Life
Corrie Sanders was married to Suzette. They had a son and a daughter together.
Corrie Sanders' Passing
On September 22, 2012, Corrie Sanders was at a restaurant in Brits, South Africa. He was there for his nephew's 21st birthday party. During an armed robbery, Corrie was shot. He was near the entrance, talking to his 15-year-old daughter and a cousin.
When the robbers started shooting, Corrie bravely used his body to protect his daughter. Even after being shot in his arm and stomach, he pulled her to the ground. He whispered for her to pretend to be dead. Corrie was taken to a hospital in Pretoria. He sadly passed away from his injuries early on September 23, 2012.
Images for kids
-
Corrie Sanders, "The Sniper"
