MALCOLM "Surprise" Klassen, in his typical fashion, has renewed ties with trainer Nick Durandt after dumping Manny Fernandez.
The former two-time IBF junior lightweight champion had been with Fernandez since November.
He left Durandt in a huff three months after being dethroned by Robert Guerrero in the US on August 22 2009.
Durandt and Klassen's previous contract is still valid, but the one with promoter Branco Milenkovic has expired.
"Klassen came to see me four weeks ago to check if he is welcome back in my gym. We sat down as men and smoked the peace pipe. We agreed this time that outside the ring decisions regarding his career will be made by me," Durandt said yesterday.
Klassen bolted from Durandt's stable when the renowned trainer was in the US with Isaac Hlatshwayo, who won the IBF's vacant welterweight strap against Delvin Rodriguez.
Durandt said: "I felt I deserved an apology from him because of the manner in which he left me. Malcolm is like a racing car. I've got to service him and give him a couple of test laps. It is therefore my duty to get him going again.
"Our focus is on a world title."
Klassen regained the IBF strap under Durandt's guidance though trainers Gert Strydom and Benny Pailman manned his corner when he dethroned Cassius "Hitman" Baloyi on April 18 2009.
Klassen and Baloyi were stablemates and Durandt was in Baloyi's corner when the Toekomsrus boxer stopped him in seven rounds. Durandt reasoned that Klassen was disillusioned, like everyone else in boxing in the country.
"It' s very difficult for anybody right now to wake up with open mind daily when you don't know about your next buck," he said, referring to the SABC's blackout of the sport.
"The current situation can lead people to make stupid decisions. Malcolm is already in the gym."
Klassen, who turned 30 on March 12, apologised to Durandt and Milenkovic.
"I've been without a fight for two years because I got advice from people who are not involved in the sport. I had to make a business decision and rejoin Nick. I'm sticking to this stable and making the most of my remaining years as a better fighter."
Klassen and Durandt kiss and make up
MALCOLM "Surprise" Klassen, in his typical fashion, has renewed ties with trainer Nick Durandt after dumping Manny Fernandez.
The former two-time IBF junior lightweight champion had been with Fernandez since November.
He left Durandt in a huff three months after being dethroned by Robert Guerrero in the US on August 22 2009.
Durandt and Klassen's previous contract is still valid, but the one with promoter Branco Milenkovic has expired.
"Klassen came to see me four weeks ago to check if he is welcome back in my gym. We sat down as men and smoked the peace pipe. We agreed this time that outside the ring decisions regarding his career will be made by me," Durandt said yesterday.
Klassen bolted from Durandt's stable when the renowned trainer was in the US with Isaac Hlatshwayo, who won the IBF's vacant welterweight strap against Delvin Rodriguez.
Durandt said: "I felt I deserved an apology from him because of the manner in which he left me. Malcolm is like a racing car. I've got to service him and give him a couple of test laps. It is therefore my duty to get him going again.
"Our focus is on a world title."
Klassen regained the IBF strap under Durandt's guidance though trainers Gert Strydom and Benny Pailman manned his corner when he dethroned Cassius "Hitman" Baloyi on April 18 2009.
Klassen and Baloyi were stablemates and Durandt was in Baloyi's corner when the Toekomsrus boxer stopped him in seven rounds. Durandt reasoned that Klassen was disillusioned, like everyone else in boxing in the country.
"It' s very difficult for anybody right now to wake up with open mind daily when you don't know about your next buck," he said, referring to the SABC's blackout of the sport.
"The current situation can lead people to make stupid decisions. Malcolm is already in the gym."
Klassen, who turned 30 on March 12, apologised to Durandt and Milenkovic.
"I've been without a fight for two years because I got advice from people who are not involved in the sport. I had to make a business decision and rejoin Nick. I'm sticking to this stable and making the most of my remaining years as a better fighter."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos