Birthday celebrations end in tragedy for world champion

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's former world heavyweight champion Corrie Sanders died of wounds sustained in a shooting at a Pretoria restaurant where he was celebrating his daughter's 21st birthday, police reported on Sunday.

Three men charged into the restaurant on Saturday evening and fired randomly where the family were dining, shooting Sanders in the stomach and hand - the 46-year-old died from his injuries on Sunday morning.

"They shot randomly and stole the mobile phone of his daughter who was celebrating her 21st birthday. They also stole a handbag from another guest," police told the Sapa news agency.

Sanders retired in 2008 with an impressive record of 42 wins against just four defeats, with his most famous vicory being in 2003 when he won the WBO world heavyweight title by knocking-out Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko in the second round after putting him down four times.

It was hailed as one of the greatest upsets in boxing history but Sanders was to find his brother Vitali a challenge too far when he challenged him for his WBC heavyweight title a year later with the fight being stopped in the eighth round.

His death was greeted with shock by sportspeople round the world and
provoked glowing tributes from former boxers as well as fellow South African sporting icons. (AFP)