It has been a long journey - from being a ruffian to a noble pug - but ex-gang member Bernie Pailman is taking his place as one of respected boxing trainers in SA.
Pailman hones the skills of boxers at the Westside Boxing Academy in Westbury and is confident he will produce his third champion when Ronald "King" Malindi takes on Mbulelo Dyani for the vacant SA bantamweight belt.
Their 12-rounder will headline TK Boxing Promotion's bill at the Portuguese Hall, southern Johannesburg, on September 23. Pailman said: "We had great camp and the best sparring. I don't see Ronald losing this one because he is very strong in the division.
"I am not overlooking Dyani. I watched the footage of Dyani and I think Ronald will have this one behind his back. I expect an easy victory. This is it."
Malindi remains undefeated in his weight division after 13 fights. Meanwhile, Dyani has five losses and two draws.
Pailman, who began training boxers in 2002 in Industria, produced his first champion in 2004 when Baldwin "Black Stone" Tshiakale dethroned Earl Morais of the cruiserweight title at Sun City.
Then in 2005, the trainer moved to Westbury Recreation Centre where he guided Sipho "Tsunami" Taliwe to clinch the junior lightweight title in 2009 when he defeated Jasper Seroka in Lenasia.
Pailman's other charge, ABU SADC junior lightweight champion Koos "The Great Last Warrior" Sibiya, suffered a contentious points loss to Phila Mpontshana when they exchanged leather at Orient Theatre in East London on July 29.
Sean Ness and Mziwoxolo Ndwayana are also billed to take to the ring for the vacant SA welterweight belt.