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Boxing mourns loss of Terry Pettifer

Described by fight fans as an encyclopedia of boxing, Pettifer passed away early yesterday morning after complications from a heart condition

ONE of South Africa’s most knowledgeable boxing personalities, Terry Pettifer, has died. Described by fight fans as an encyclopedia of boxing, Pettifer passed away early yesterday morning after complications from a heart condition.

His death has been described by his boss at Golden Gloves Pro motions (GGP), Rodney Berman, as a loss to the entire boxing fraternity.

Popularly known as ‘Ballyhoo’, Pettifer was working as a publicist at GGP at the time of his death though he was no longer as active as before because of ill- health.

A few months ago GGP gave Pettifer some time off due to his ailment and his place was taken by boxing legend Brian Mitchell on a temporary basis.

“Terry passed away after his heart failed this morning (Sunday). His death is a great loss to South African boxing. He was a vibrant boxing personality and had a vast knowledge of the sport. He had had heart problems for the past six or eight months,” said Berman.

According to Berman, the 59- year-old Pettifer leaves behind two children – a son and daughter – and two grandchildren.

Pettifer’s death was greeted with some disbelief by the crowd when it was announced by the ring announcer at yesterday’s boxing tournament held at the Orient Theatre.

And after hearing about Pettifer’s death, Mzimasi Mnguni, who worked with the deceased for almost 30 years, echoed Berman’s words that boxing has indeed lost a real man.

Mnguni added that he had learned a lot about the sport during his working relationship with Pettifer as they shared some boxing expertise.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard that Terry has passed away.

“Terry knew everything that is there to be known about boxing. He was the historian of black and white boxing in this country,” the Eyethu Boxing Promotions boss said.

“His death means that the history of boxing is gone. I have no doubt that Rodney feels more pain than I do with Terry’s passing away. I don’t think Rodney did any tournament without Terry’s involvement.

“Terry ensured that Rodney’s tournaments were well attended. He used to tell me a lot of stories about boxing, as he got involved in the sport before me. We have lost a good man.”

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