FORMER SA cruiserweight boxing champion Freddie ‘Rafferty’ Horn sadly took the full count after suffering an apparent heart attack while coaching at his club in Meerensee on Monday evening.
News of the passing of the gentle giant spread swiftly, sending waves of disbelief and grief across the City.
He had been at the ringside with some of his protégés when he suddenly suffered what later proved to be a severe stroke and despite desperate attempts at resuscitation, he was not revived.
Having risen to the top in his sporting profession, Horn (53) had been instrumental in reviving of the sport throughout the City of uMhlathuze, training youths and arranging tournaments where aspiring boxers can gain experience.
His reputation as a true sportsman of the highest calibre was as evident outside the ring as it was within the ropes.
Blessed with a friendly nature when the gloves were off, he was loved and respected across the entire cross section of the local population.
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Even as his loving family and the boxing fraternity reeled from the shock news of his passing, so too were his colleagues in the City Traffic Department stunned by the blow.
In an announcement made at the start of Tuesday’s Exco meeting, City of uMhlathuze Mayor Mdu Mhlongo expressed deepest condolences to Horn’s family, the community and ‘the South African family he served’.
‘This is a great loss to all South Africans. We are with his family in their time of need and will visit them this week,’ said mayor Mhlongo.
Horn’s circle of influence extended from his role as municipal nuisance inspector and traffic officer to his involvement with, among others, the SPCA, Meerensee Community Policing Forum, Richards
Bay Rugby Club and Hoërskool Richardsbaai, where his schoolboy boxing tournaments were extremely well supported.
Tributes have flooded social media and his family has been overwhelmed by the many messages of comfort they have received.
Freddie leaves his wife Jackie; brothers Koos and Hannes and sister Joey, and their spouses; sons Freddie and Michael and their wives; and granddaughter Zeané.
A service is planned for 11am on Saturday morning at the Old Apostolic Church in Via Richardia, Arboretum.
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