Corrie Sanders

He made a name for himself in the sport of boxing, when he scored a 2nd-round technical knockout victory over highly-regarded Ukrainian fighter Wladimir Klitschko to capture the WBO Heavyweight Title on March 8th, 2003. After putting together an impressive amateur career, he turned professional in 1989. Sanders established himself in his native South Africa and went onto win the country’s heavyweight championship. His first mark on the international boxing scene was a 12th-round unanimous decision over American Ross Puritty for the WBU Heavyweight Title in 1997 and he followed this with three successful title defenses over Bobby Czyz, Jorge Valdes and Alfred Cole, prior to suffering his first defeat as a professional to Hasim Rahman in 2000. His defeat of Wladimir Klitschko shocked the boxing community, as Sanders was regarded a long-shot. The bout earned the distinction as being named “Best Upset of the Year” for 2003 by Ring Magazine. Ironically, Sanders next fight would be one year later against Klitschko’s brother Vitali for which he was dealt an 8th-round technical knockout loss. He retired in 2008 after compiling a 42 win (31 knockout) and 4 loss record. Sanders was shot to death during an apparent robbery.