Boxing fans in Elsburg and surrounding areas will be thrilled to know that a new boxing academy is now open.
The Elsburg Boxing Academy is just over a month old and already has 40 members.
“There is a lot of boxing demand in the area, which is one of the main reasons I decided to start this academy, besides my love for the sport,” said the academy’s founder and main coach, Danie Putter.
“I have 25 years of amateur boxing experience and will share it with all the members.”
Putter told the GCN the birth of the academy came about when he and his family moved to Elsburg.
“My family and I moved to Elsburg, from Alberton, in November last year, and for some time my family and friends have been advising me to teach boxing,” he explained.
“One Saturday morning, a few weeks after moving, I woke up to find a group of children and parents waiting outside my house.
“Out of curiosity, I went outside to find out what was happening, only to be told that they want to box.”
Putter also said he wants to focus on teaching before entering the members into tournaments and competitions.
“Teaching boxing and developing skills is what I want to focus on at the moment, which is also the reason I chose the name ‘academy’ and not ‘club’, as above all, our primary focus is development,” he said.
“This is the start of an amateur boxing career that can lead to the professional level, and already there has been great talent spotted among the members.
“I work with Gert Watson, Michael Stolz and Hansie Schoeman, helping me coach the youngsters.”
The local coach, who is also the chairman of the Alberton Madalas Rugby Club, said that children as young as four are welcome at the academy.
“The starting age is four for children, and for adults there is no limit, if you feel you want to learn the sport or advance in boxing you are welcome to join,” he said.
“Even if you just want to learn basic self-defence or keep fit, our doors are open.
“The club is registered with the Ekurhuleni Boxing Organisation (EBO).
“We train in the Laerskool Elsburg hall every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm, and I thank the school for granting us access to their premises.”
The academy, however, has a lack of sufficient equipment.
“We are in need of sponsorship because at the moment we only have three boxing bags, ten skipping ropes and five pairs of gloves,” Putter explained.
“The equipment available comes from my years of boxing, and they are not in top form as they are old.
“If any business or individual is willing to donate or sponsor the academy, we would greatly appreciate it.
“We could have their branding on some of the equipment like the gloves.
“We need a ring, if anybody can donate or help us obtain one, it would help to give the members proper experience of fighting and training in the ring.
“Despite the challenges, I can say we are going to make champions.”
For more information, contact Putter on 084 502 4477.
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