R.I.P. Mike Bernardo
We sadly learnt of the untimely death of a Bay man who brought fame and positive attention onto South Africa. Mike Bernardo, former World Boxing and Kickboxing Champion, passed away this morning.
Mike was a central figure of the successful Under 20 section False Bay fielded in the late 1980s, which included the likes of Harold Karele, Bevan Capes and Raymond Blake.
He gave up rugby to focus on his passion and extreme talent of boxing and kickboxing. He honed his craft, going on to become the World Boxing Federation’s Heavyweight Champion. Mike gained greater fame as the World Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion, winning the title on multiple occasions. He enjoyed true Legend status in Japan, where at the height of his career he was a household name and image and was mobbed whenever in public.
Mike brought honour and positive attention onto our land as a World Boxing & Kickboxing Champion, sports which belied his gentle, sensitive nature. His opponents were mostly the antithesis of this modest, kind and deep man.
After retiring from boxing in 2004 as a result of a back injury, Mike settled in Cape Town.
He was an avid supporter of False Bay, proud of his club heritage and his school, Plumstead High School.
False Bay acknowledges this quiet and unassuming man, who drew accolades for his talent and his nation.
Rest in peace, Mike.
