Former heavyweight champ Sanders killed

Former world heavyweight champion Corrie Sanders has been shot dead during an armed robbery at a restaurant near Brits in South Africa.

Sanders was shot in the stomach and arm and died of these injuries later in hospital.

Sanders' friend, musician Kurt Darren, confirmed the news on Sunday.

"He was shot in the stomach by armed robbers at his nephew's 21st birthday," Darren said.

"He passed away at 4am. He fought hard for eight hours."

Sanders, aged 47, was best known for his second-round knockout of Wladimir Klitschko in 2003 which saw him claim the WBO heavyweight crown.

His dominating performance, which saw Klitschko floored four times, was voted 'Upset of the Year' by Ring Magazine.

A year later the South African fought Wladimir's brother Vitali Klitschko for the vacant WBC title, losing a brutal encounter in eight rounds.

The Pretorian fighter ended his career with a professional record of 42-4 (31 KOs).

After retiring, Sanders juggled several business interests with motivational speaking tours.