PUNCH, jab and duck are some of the commands you can hear fill the Montclair Recreational Hall as boxing veteran Dean Wilson helps raise a lineage of not only strong boxers but strong-minded people. Gladiators Boxing Promotions welcomes men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds to train, learn and compete, all completely free.

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Gladiator Boxing Club was started by Wilson and trains every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at the Montwood Recreation Hall. Wilson said that club was started to not only address social ills such as drug abuse, crime, unemployment and bullying but to also revitalise the sport of boxing in KZN.

Samantha Havenga, Gladiator Boxing Promotions office manager, said the club was established out of a need and want to make a difference in the communities, starting with Montclair.

Wilson, who has more than 21 years of experience as a trainer and a boxer, has been funding the project from his own pocket since the beginning. From buying gear and hall rental to tournaments fees and transportation, he has borne it from his own pocket so that the programme can flourish.

The club is aimed especially at the young people and the previously disadvantaged, but others are welcome. The classes try to provide a healthy alternative to negative influences, develop discipline and enable a “healthy body, healthy mind” concept and for some it is an opportunity to discover an unknown talent.

“Gladiators is for everyone where there is no judgement or discrimination, just opportunity and encouragement. Some people might be going for fitness, some for self-defence and competition, but for all of us it’s about purpose and hope,” said Havenga.

To join or support:

The club is calling on the residents and businesses to help support the programme, by financial assistance or by joining as a volunteer assistant coach.

“The reward is seeing lives changed with boxing. We invite the Montclair community to participate with Gladiators, by training with us, sponsoring or volunteering,” said Havenga.

For more information on joining the club or to sponsor and volunteer, contact Dean Wilson on 073 142 4718 or office manager Samantha Havenga on 063 588 3187.

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