Sunnyridge boxer develops young fighters
The former Gauteng bantamweight champion, who turned professional in 2017 at the age of 19, is giving back to the community by training the next generation of boxing talent.
Gloss Boxing World, owned by Layten Gloss, is developing the next generation of fighters in Sunnyridge.
The former Gauteng bantamweight champion, who turned professional in 2017 at the age of 19, is giving back to the community by training the next generation of boxing talent.
He came from a fighting family and followed in the footsteps of his father, a former boxer, EFC fighter, and coach.
He now has 13 professional fights, with eight victories and five losses.
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He won and later relinquished the bantamweight title in the 2021/2022 season due to a weight inconsistency.
Having had his fair share of the professional world, Gloss is now looking to give back to the community through his gym by training children who are interested in combat sports.
Gloss has two classes: one is a fee-paying class, and one is for those who cannot afford to pay.
Through his Gloss Boxing Guardianship (NPO) programmes, he has enrolled pupils who want to train but lack the funds to join the club.
“Boxing is a lonely sport; only those around you can see the work you put in. It’s a physically and mentally demanding sport.
“Your losses became more important than your wins because you always have to come back and prove why you belong in the ring. Your comeback story can make you a household name,” said Gloss.
“The gym opened in February; my father owned a gym before I turned pro, and I wanted to continue that legacy. “I learnt a lot from training with my father and cousin over the years.
“My students are six years old and older. I run an NPO that helps the needy. Children who cannot pay our fees are enrolled in the guardianship project.
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“Boxing transformed my life, and I hope to use it to change someone else’s. We now have roughly eight pupils. When they come here, they have fun while boxing, training, and competing.
“As an active fighter and boxer, I am not permitted to be an active coach; hence, when they compete, they must fight in someone else’s gym and have that coach stand in their corner.
“Boxing teaches you about life lessons, and restriction, and builds confidence. When boys come here, they learn morals and values. Our gym is mixed, therefore both girls and boys are welcome.
“Throughout my career, I have seen fighters who saw boxing as a path out of poverty. Most fighters are tough, but if they don’t fight, they’ll wind up on the streets. I have a majority of fighters like that at my gym.
“These youngsters have a lot of talent, but most come in without adequate running shoes or training equipment.
“I am not sure how many shoes I have given out to them. We have people who pay the fighters’ costs under guardianship, and we are seeking sponsors of old boxing equipment, running shoes, and whatever else we can use.
“Growing up, I never had adequate equipment; I always shared staff. I recall going to a tournament and forgetting my gum guard, so I went with my buddies; that difficulty taught me to love and respect others.
“I plan to conduct tournaments once we are registered as an armature boxing club. There aren’t many boxing clubs in and around Germiston, therefore that would boost boxing in the area,” said Gloss.
