WELL-KNOWN in the boxing fraternity and former welterweight boxer of the South, Anton Gilmore has quite a few professional boxers who train with him.
Gilmore is known for his diversity in the boxing world, training amateur boxers and working with the Teddy Bear Clinic and Laureus Foundation. He has now developed another cornerstone, introducing the professional side of the Box Office gymnasium.
Boasting the calibre of up-and-coming young Paul Kamanga, who heads the strong contingent of boxers at Box Office, the gymnasium has 10 professionals currently training there.
Kamanga is the holder of the WBA All Africa welterweight title. Golden Gloves promoter, Rodney Berman is on the verge of announcing his next bout.
Kamanga is currently the number 12 rated and has a record of 19 bouts with 11 KO’s.
Josh Roos is on standby as he finishes his honours in accounting and will have his time in the ring. New middleweight contender at Box Office Jade Karam, who is the most active professional, has nine fights in a year with a huge contingent of followers. Karam went from zero to hero quickly and now faces Barend van Rooyen for the Gauteng middleweight title.
“ It’s a long shot but history says underdogs sometimes win,” said Gilmore. “I think that we have the recipe to get Jade winning.”
Warren le Roux is Gilmore’s new heavyweight and at 33 is living a dream to have a professional career. His debut is set for June 28 on the Andre Thysse event. Willers Baloyi, the hard-fighting lightweight, is also on board at Gilmore.
Another new light in the fold and one Gilmore rates as being as good as Roos is Troy De Paiva. He is a middleweight with great hand speed and good legs and amazing composure for his limited fight experience level, although he has been a boxer for five years.
Troy knocked out his Durham, England opponent in the third round at the Southern Giant which was a show stealer as the international Durham fighter was way into his 20th-odd fight.
Bheki Mahlangu and Luvo Ntlebi complete the stable for now as it grows weekly. The two lightweight contenders are always game to put up a show and can assure you of a tough fight. Michael Mokoena, an incredibly talented fighter, hadn’t boxed for four years and walked into Gilmore’s gym to rake up six wins in a row. He is being primed to fight Jeffrey Magagane later this year. Siya Mabena, although still studying and quiet, will be showcased in June on Pat Molefe’s event along with the other Kamanga, Clement, the brother of Paul. Both these boxers are prospects in the welterweight division.
The two brothers who have yet to show any promise are the Familiar boys Dario and Dino, the latter yet to make his debut.
The Box Office will stage three pro events in the latter half of the year to showcase all its fighters. GilMay Promotions is planning a Super Four and Gauteng titles on the upcoming events he has planned.
