Punching Prosser brings power to the Palace
Three fights. Three wins. Three by first-round knockout.
If you couldn’t tell, Dylan Prosser is a banger, aggressive and in your face.
Next month, up-country boxing fans will see the promising light-heavyweight for the first time when he fights at Emperors Palace, for the first time as a Golden Gloves boxer.
Prosser has much going for him. Apart from being blessed with power and a crazy work ethic, he’s a good talker and understands the need to entertain.
Aged 24, he’s come a long way from the days when he was bullied as a youngster. First, his grandfather, a former amateur boxer from KwaZulu Natal, regaled him with boxing stories from years gone by. Then a detour to Australia, where he completed his high school and dabbled in boxing, took precedence.
At the age of 18, he returned to Durban. A chance posting on Instagram led him to Cape Town trainer Matt Leisching, who invited him down.
With dreams in his head and power in his fists, Prosser packed his car and drove down. He boxed in the WP and SA championships, palmed several medals, and then opted for the paid ranks in 2023.
“I like to come forward,” he says of a style that Cape supporters have enjoyed. “But I have the ability to fight different styles. I’m blessed with power and have a bit of a mean streak. I enjoy hurting opponents; I want to entertain the crowd.”
He tends toward the old-school fighters, listing Sugar Ray Leonard, Rocky Marciano, George Foreman and Muhammad Ali as his favourite boxers. Of the modern era, Canelo Alvarez gets a nod for his approach to the sport.
Unusually for a rookie, Prosser has already assembled a high-quality team that includes a strength and conditioning coach, a nutritionist, and a physiotherapist. He’s not taking any chances, especially with an approach reliant on being physically strong.
As April 5 looms – he’s boxing Fhulufhelo Ramaliba (2-2) – he is determined to put on a show that puts the country’s other light-heavyweights on notice.
Longer term, he says his ultimate goal is to become a world champion, emulating fellow Golden Gloves stablemate Kevin Lerena, whom he admires.
He knows the road to the top will be tough, but his dedication and heart are both in a good place. The “Mad Fit” gym is his second home – he trains clients in his down time – and he is driven by an inner need to prove himself.
“I fight for my family and I fight for myself,” he says. “And I want to make my team proud.”
