Newly-crowned WBO heavyweight champion Corrie Sanders sobbed uncontrollably when he was treated to a hero’s welcome on his arrival at the Johannesburg International Airport on Monday morning.
Wrapped in the South African flag, Sanders was greeted with cheers. School kids from Laerskool Voorwaarts — a farm school near Britz where Sanders went from grade one to seven, were also among the handful of elated fans.
”Se trots, God bless Corrie,” read their poster. Sanders’ response was sweet and short: ”I am proud to be South African,” he said, fighting back the tears.
But it was not the kind of reception which was expected for a boxer, who against all odds, dethroned a 100-1 on hot favourite in front of his home crowd. About 12 000 German fans were stunned when the South African easily dethroned their man at Hanover on Saturday night.
A ”dark horse” as Sanders was best described going into the fight, surprised many pundits with his victory. Sanders downed Klitschko four times in two rounds before the bout was finally called over towards the end of the second round.
He became the third boxer from South Africa to win a WBO title. The first was Dingaan ”The Rose” Thobela and was followed by the pint-sized Jacob ”Baby Jake” Matlala.
Coincidentally, the retired Matlala, now an executive member of Boxing South Africa, was at hand to welcome his compatriot. Ukrainian-born Klitschko, now living in Hamburg, was perceived by many to be unbeatable. But his chances now of meeting Lennox Lewis were dashed when Sanders stole his thunder.
Chairman of Boxing South Africa Mthobi Tyamzashe, Krish Naidoo and their colleagues from the Gauteng Boxing Control Commission — Stanley Sono, Archie Nyingwa and referee Alfred Buqwana were also on hand to welcome South Africa’s latest hero. – Sapa