South African heavyweight Corrie Sanders, who beat Wladimir Klitschko to win the WBO world title in 2003, has died after being shot during a robbery at a restaurant during a family celebration.


Police say Sanders was shot in the hand and stomach at a family member's 21st birthday party at the restaurant in Brits, in South Africa's North West province, on Saturday night.

He died in a hospital in the capital city of Pretoria early Sunday morning. They shot Sanders in the stomach and hand - the 46-year-old died from his injuries yesterday 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.


Renowned for his hand speed, the 6-4 Sanders was one of South Africa's most successful and popular fighters after a nearly 20-year professional career. He retired in 2008 with a 42-4 record, with 31 knockouts.



Sanders caused a major shock when he inflicted a second-round knockout defeat on Klitschko in Hanover nine years ago.  He gave up the belt later in the year and lost in eight rounds to the Ukrainian's brother Vitali Klitschko for the WBC title in Los Angeles in April 2004.



Born in Pretoria, Sanders began his professional boxing career in 1989 with a first-round TKO of King Kong Dyubele. Eighteen of the fast-starting Sanders' 31 career knockouts came in the first round.
Sanders hung up his gloves in 2008 after being knocked out by Osborne Machimana for the South African heavyweight title â?? in the first round.

Several statements are being made concerning his death by many sportspeople and from around the world. The Klitschko brothers issued a statement about their rival's death on Sunday. Several South African sports stars has also left comments about His Death. He will be greatly missed by many in South Africa and in the Sports world where he made a mark.