Boxer Ngondo brings home title for Sunnyridge gym

Lionel Ngondo was crowned the Titan Combat Sports Featherweight Champion, propelling Gloss Boxing World in Sunnyridge to the top.

Since opening its doors in February, the promotion has trained over 50 students, with Ngondo being one of its earliest and most successful.

Clinching the title proves he is the best among his peers.

“I feel like I’m on top of the division,” Ngondo told the GCN.

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“I’ve always wanted to win a belt, and the training was intense. Waking up early while others slept was tough, but it paid off. I was a bit rough around the edges, so I joined boxing after seeing an article about Gloss Boxing World in the newspaper.

“My record stands at 10 wins, one draw and one loss. Since joining Gloss, I’ve secured two wins, both by TKO, including the championship match. Now, I am working extra hard to ensure this belt stays with me.”

Ngondo won the championship on July 13, alongside his friends and teammates who competed in their respective matches.
Ronald Namara, one of Ngondo’s teammates, has a notable boxing background.

He began training about seven years ago in primary school after impressing a coach with his skills during a sparring session.

“I joined a local gym and asked for a sparring session. I impressed the coach, who enrolled me.”

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Namara joined Gloss Boxing World alongside Ngondo, and his experience with the promotion has been positive.

“I came to Gloss with Ngondo. The journey with Gloss has been a good one. I have already had two fights under the promotion and two wins by decision.”

Another boxer, Denzel ‘Teddy’ Tlooko, 17, started boxing last year but took a break due to limited facilities. A former athlete, he now pursues boxing, aiming to compete against international fighters and win titles.

“This place (Gauteng) is a great environment with opportunities, but it’s not safe, but boxing instils that confidence in us to not walk in fear.”

Tlooko’s goal is to turn pro, inspired by his coach and professional boxer, Benjamin Whittaker.

Jayden Kinnear comes from a boxing background, but had no professional training until joining Gloss Boxing World. The Grade 11 learner from Vryburger High School has already had one fight, winning via TKO.

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Kinnear has big aspirations, “I told my father I wanted to join, and coach Layton welcomed me. My father used to be a boxer, and my cousin turned professional. I used to train with him, but never took it seriously.”

His goal is to become a champion and turn pro, so he’s putting in the work with intensive training sessions, running, stomach exercises, and afternoon sessions with his teammates.

“Balancing boxing and books is easy because it is the only sport I do. This is where most of us come to release the stress and clear our minds.”

Coach Layten Gloss focuses on nurturing the natural talents of his boxers to help them grow into elite athletes. He is proud of their achievements, including Ngondo’s championship win.

“I am happy with a champion in the house. It means we have to train extra hard and compete more.”

The gym’s impressive record of 11 wins and no losses is a testament to their hard work.

With the school holidays providing extra time to train, Gloss aims to intensify their sessions, emphasising the importance of fitness.

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Gloss’ goal extends beyond boxing. He’s dedicated to keeping young people off the streets through the gym’s mentorship.

With two sponsors on board, the gym is preparing its fighters for their first matches.

Gloss’ vision for the future includes retaining Ngondo’s championship title and having each boxer pursue their respective titles.