More praise for Sanders from Klitschko

AP

Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko says late boxer Corrie Sanders (pictured) made him the fighter he is today.

Johannesburg – Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko says late boxer Corrie Sanders made him the fighter he is today, and his 2003 loss to the South African was pivotal in his success.

Klitschko paid a personal tribute to Sanders, who died last weekend after being shot by robbers at a restaurant in northern South Africa.

Speaking to Eyewitness News radio from Germany, the younger Klitschko brother said his second round knockout to Sanders to lose his WBO belt “changed a side of my character tremendously. It made me tougher and it made me better.”

The current WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champions said: “The boxing world will remember Corrie as a heavy hitter and a good man. I have nothing bad to say about Corrie at all.” – Sapa-AP