Extending the Lessons of the Ring Beyond It

Wilbert "Bert" August has spent a lifetime building champions, strengthening communities, and proving that some of life's greatest victories happen long after the final bell rings.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Bert's story is rooted in discipline, service, family, and an enduring commitment to helping others become stronger versions of themselves. His journey into boxing began in Kansas City under the guidance of John Brown, former President of USA Boxing and founder of Ringside Products. That early experience would grow into a remarkable 52-year involvement with USA Boxing as both an athlete and coach.

Over the decades, Bert developed a reputation as a respected trainer, mentor, and teacher of the sport. His contributions to boxing eventually earned him membership in the Boxing Hall of Fame — a recognition that reflects not only what he accomplished in the ring, but also the generations of athletes he helped shape outside of it.

Today, Bert serves as the owner and head coach of AmPro Boxing Gym, where he continues to teach much more than combinations, footwork, and defense. His coaching philosophy centers on discipline, preparation, confidence, accountability, and character. Those same principles now form the foundation of AM Pro Charities, where he serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

For Bert, the creation of AM Pro Charities is the natural continuation of a life already devoted to service. His philanthropic roots reach back decades — inspired by his parents, Taylor and Mattie August, Bert began following their example of community involvement with the Dallas Boys Club in 1981. Since then, he has remained active in service throughout North Texas, volunteering with the Dallas and Mesquite school districts and supporting organizations including Genesis Women's Shelter and The Salvation Army.

Bert's commitment to young people is especially personal. He understands that not every child will become a professional athlete, but every child can benefit from discipline, confidence, mentorship, emotional resilience, financial knowledge, and a strong support system. AM Pro Charities was created to bring those lessons together through boxing training, practical self defense, mental health awareness, financial empowerment, education, nutrition, mentorship, and community support.

His professional life has been just as accomplished. Bert spent 36 years in mortgage servicing, building a successful career that demanded precision, leadership, problem solving, and an understanding of financial systems — experience that gives him a unique perspective on the importance of financial literacy and economic preparation for young people, another key pillar of the AM Pro Charities mission.

Faith has also remained central to Bert's journey. He has been a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas for more than 50 years — a reflection of the consistency, commitment, and spiritual grounding that have shaped both his personal and professional life. Beyond boxing, business, and community service, Bert is a husband, father of four, and proud grandfather. Family remains one of the greatest sources of meaning in his life.

Through AM Pro Charities, Bert is taking everything boxing has taught him about discipline, resilience, preparation, confidence, and perseverance and placing those lessons into the hands of the next generation. The mission is no longer simply to build great fighters. It is to build champions for life.