By Charlene Gatt
SUNSHINE’S Ellis Brothers’ Gym is revelling in the limelight after two of its new recruits maintained flawless amateur records in thrilling bouts earlier this month.
Deer Park’s Arnold Pelmann and Sunshine’s Angelo Angelino squared off against their respective opponents in front of a 500-strong crowd at Weeroona College Hall on 14 July, each recording unanimous victories.
Angelino utilised a jackhammer left jab to full effect to finish off Keysborough’s James Ketika while Pelmann overcame Hoppers Crossing’s Choco Elzeine with a series of impressive moves.
The bout moved Pelmann up to four consecutive wins, while Angelino sits on three.
Other locals to appear on the card were Pelmann’s 13-year-old brother Rex, who dropped a close decision to Steve Kustreba in his amateur debut, while St Albans’ Deng Athian was stopped in round two by Hobart’s Aaron Flynn.
The two 16-year-old winners have only been on the boxing circuit for five months, but trainer Keith Ellis – 17-time trainer of the year and recently crowned trainer of the century – says he has a gut feeling about the pair’s future success.
“They’re still only kids, but Arnold’s tall and classy and Angelo’s tough and dogged and they’ll just keep on improving,” he said.
“I’ll give them as much experience as I can and if they’re going good they’ll only be 21 at the 2012 Olympics, or maybe the Commonwealth Games in three years’ time.
“I’m pretty confident they’ll both win Victorian titles this year.”
“They’re gym mates and they’re going through everything together and I think they’re going to bring a lot of pride to Sunshine.”
The duo is training hard to contest undercard bouts on 17 August as Marc Bargero and Tim Bell take to the ring for the Australian Light Heavyweight Title.
