Testimonials
Christian Prats – Business Analyst (CommSec)
Michael taught me the basics of boxing and trained me for my first match at the Corporate Bash. By competing under his guidance I was able to experience a real life “Rocky Moment”. I found it to be a truly memorable and rewarding experience.
Michael taught me the basics of boxing and trained me for my first match at the Corporate Bash. By competing under his guidance I was able to experience a real life “Rocky Moment”. I found it to be a truly memorable and rewarding experience.
Guilio D'Andrea
I started going to Boxfit classes after a recommendation from a friend. Walking into the gym, you immediately get the sense that it’s the real deal. Greeted by a friendly face, I was struck by how welcoming Mike was, coupled with his ability to immediately make me feel at ease. After a quick rundown of the class and a general chat about your goals, your hands are wrapped. There is no better feeling than getting your hands wrapped by a bona fide boxer. In no time, with his guidance, I learnt more and more about boxing and started exerting myself to make the most out of the class. The results are visible after a couple of weeks of consistent training and you feel good. As a step up from the Boxfit class Mike offers sparring classes. Sparring - daunting and exhilarating at the same time. Through Mike’s expert tuition and the respect for the sport he fosters in his boxers, I eased into sparring... The best thing I ever did.... Mike did more for my self-confidence, mental fortitude and work ethic than anything I could have ever done... Going to Boxfit improves your social life as well as work life because it makes you mentally stronger, respect yourself more and teaches you to follow your instinct. In no time, I was preparing for my first fight. Once again, Mike expertly guided and prepared me. The fight night is the ultimate test is stamina, mental toughness and a thoroughly rewarding experience. Getting in the ring for a fight is humbling, you feel proud, anxious and electrified. There is a real sense of accomplishment that comes with training at Boxfit, and you will notice your hard work being rewarded, by feeling healthier and looking great. I would recommend Boxfit to anyone that is looking to get fit, strong and stay healthy. (See video with Christian Prats)
I started going to Boxfit classes after a recommendation from a friend. Walking into the gym, you immediately get the sense that it’s the real deal. Greeted by a friendly face, I was struck by how welcoming Mike was, coupled with his ability to immediately make me feel at ease. After a quick rundown of the class and a general chat about your goals, your hands are wrapped. There is no better feeling than getting your hands wrapped by a bona fide boxer. In no time, with his guidance, I learnt more and more about boxing and started exerting myself to make the most out of the class. The results are visible after a couple of weeks of consistent training and you feel good. As a step up from the Boxfit class Mike offers sparring classes. Sparring - daunting and exhilarating at the same time. Through Mike’s expert tuition and the respect for the sport he fosters in his boxers, I eased into sparring... The best thing I ever did.... Mike did more for my self-confidence, mental fortitude and work ethic than anything I could have ever done... Going to Boxfit improves your social life as well as work life because it makes you mentally stronger, respect yourself more and teaches you to follow your instinct. In no time, I was preparing for my first fight. Once again, Mike expertly guided and prepared me. The fight night is the ultimate test is stamina, mental toughness and a thoroughly rewarding experience. Getting in the ring for a fight is humbling, you feel proud, anxious and electrified. There is a real sense of accomplishment that comes with training at Boxfit, and you will notice your hard work being rewarded, by feeling healthier and looking great. I would recommend Boxfit to anyone that is looking to get fit, strong and stay healthy. (See video with Christian Prats)
Steffanie Parsons
Q. How did you find the training? Was it harder, easier, a great workout?
The training was great. I remember after my first sparring session going home and having to nap for about 3 hours! and the next day I was in a world of pain.. but a good way! Boxing with Michael taught me how to be mentally tough. One time we were at training and I started crying and tried to climb out of the ring , but Michael wouldn't let me he just kept reassuring me. And I'm so glad he did. I learnt every week how to just breath through it and not let it get the best of me while I was in the ring. Competing in Boxfits Corporatebash was the hardest but one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I will definitely keep going next year and am looking forward to getting into the ring again. It taught me so much about myself I never imagined I would enjoy it so much. What would you say to someone thinking of doing the same? Just give it a go. Its such a non intimidating environment, and it really is for all levels of fitness and experience. Everyone goes out of there way to help you and share there experiences and feel welcome.
Q. How did you find the training? Was it harder, easier, a great workout?
The training was great. I remember after my first sparring session going home and having to nap for about 3 hours! and the next day I was in a world of pain.. but a good way! Boxing with Michael taught me how to be mentally tough. One time we were at training and I started crying and tried to climb out of the ring , but Michael wouldn't let me he just kept reassuring me. And I'm so glad he did. I learnt every week how to just breath through it and not let it get the best of me while I was in the ring. Competing in Boxfits Corporatebash was the hardest but one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I will definitely keep going next year and am looking forward to getting into the ring again. It taught me so much about myself I never imagined I would enjoy it so much. What would you say to someone thinking of doing the same? Just give it a go. Its such a non intimidating environment, and it really is for all levels of fitness and experience. Everyone goes out of there way to help you and share there experiences and feel welcome.
Danni Malone
I am a 32 year old communications manager, from Ireland. I was lucky enough to spend a year training with Michael and the amazing crew at Boxfit and my memories there are among my most precious. Training with Michael and the team was an incredible experience and one I’ll take with me always. Stepping into the ring to have a boxing bout was a dream of mine for a long time, having been introduced to the sport by a friend in my mid-twenties. I couldn’t have known, as I learnt the basics in London all those years ago, that I’d one day be in Mike’s gym and prepping to go in for a fight against a NSW state champion!
I am a 32 year old communications manager, from Ireland. I was lucky enough to spend a year training with Michael and the amazing crew at Boxfit and my memories there are among my most precious. Training with Michael and the team was an incredible experience and one I’ll take with me always. Stepping into the ring to have a boxing bout was a dream of mine for a long time, having been introduced to the sport by a friend in my mid-twenties. I couldn’t have known, as I learnt the basics in London all those years ago, that I’d one day be in Mike’s gym and prepping to go in for a fight against a NSW state champion!
Tom Cella
I started coming down to Mike's boxfit classes on a Monday and Wednesday evening after work and before I knew it had done 6 months worth of training. Its definitely one of the most entertaining ways to get fit, especially with the diverse activities within the circuit, the amount of one on one time with Mike in the ring, the friendly crowd that attend and not forgetting the slightly retro choice of music. People of all ability levels come along from complete first-timers to boxers training for their tenth white collar bout. I went to one of the corporate bash charity events at Randwick just as a spectator and thought "I reckon I could give that a go". Two months later I was in the ring in front of two hundred people for three two minute rounds. The beers definitely tasted good after the fight, but its a great box that I never thought I'd tick!
I started coming down to Mike's boxfit classes on a Monday and Wednesday evening after work and before I knew it had done 6 months worth of training. Its definitely one of the most entertaining ways to get fit, especially with the diverse activities within the circuit, the amount of one on one time with Mike in the ring, the friendly crowd that attend and not forgetting the slightly retro choice of music. People of all ability levels come along from complete first-timers to boxers training for their tenth white collar bout. I went to one of the corporate bash charity events at Randwick just as a spectator and thought "I reckon I could give that a go". Two months later I was in the ring in front of two hundred people for three two minute rounds. The beers definitely tasted good after the fight, but its a great box that I never thought I'd tick!
Johnny Halls
I had competed in one amateur boxing bout in England before I decided to do a bit of travelling around the world. After settling in Sydney for the foreseeable future I was told told about a boxing gym down the road from where I worked by a friend who I worked with in sales who had just started to pick it up again. PCYC and Mike as the trainer was ideal for me as it was an old school style gym that smells of hard work with a modern approach to fitness. Boxing has and always will be a sport that gives back what you put in and that was reflected in Mike guiding you through sparring/cardio sessions and letting you find out what works well for you. Sparring was done on Saturday mornings mainly. I have trained in some gyms where beginners in the sport have been thrown in over their heads and put in the ring with someone of greater experience and who would in turn take liberties with them, often putting them off getting in the ring again. The one thing that always impressed me was that Mike genuinely has the boxers best interest at heart and would match you up with others in the sparring sessions to push you without throwing you in at the deep end. I competed in one exhibition and one contested bout through PCYC under Mikes stable. Once the fight was confirmed we upped the sparring and would spar lightly on Wednesdays and again heavier on Saturdays. Mike would also take the boxers on the pads in between to work on certain punches and movement. I personally learn by doing and I feel that is Mikes approach to coaching; letting you find your own way and giving quality advice along the way to guide you in the right direction. My advice for anyone thinking about having a contested bout is to put everything into the preparation beforehand so you can go into the fight knowing you are ready. After the fight the sense of achievement win lose or draw is indescribable and Mike also gave the boxers a framed picture of each of their bouts which still sits proudly on my kitchen wall. You cant play boxing and it is a high pressure sport but after playing several sports to a decent standard I can also say its the most rewarding sport by far. What I have learnt from boxing in regards to discipline and work rate I have took into everyday life.
I had competed in one amateur boxing bout in England before I decided to do a bit of travelling around the world. After settling in Sydney for the foreseeable future I was told told about a boxing gym down the road from where I worked by a friend who I worked with in sales who had just started to pick it up again. PCYC and Mike as the trainer was ideal for me as it was an old school style gym that smells of hard work with a modern approach to fitness. Boxing has and always will be a sport that gives back what you put in and that was reflected in Mike guiding you through sparring/cardio sessions and letting you find out what works well for you. Sparring was done on Saturday mornings mainly. I have trained in some gyms where beginners in the sport have been thrown in over their heads and put in the ring with someone of greater experience and who would in turn take liberties with them, often putting them off getting in the ring again. The one thing that always impressed me was that Mike genuinely has the boxers best interest at heart and would match you up with others in the sparring sessions to push you without throwing you in at the deep end. I competed in one exhibition and one contested bout through PCYC under Mikes stable. Once the fight was confirmed we upped the sparring and would spar lightly on Wednesdays and again heavier on Saturdays. Mike would also take the boxers on the pads in between to work on certain punches and movement. I personally learn by doing and I feel that is Mikes approach to coaching; letting you find your own way and giving quality advice along the way to guide you in the right direction. My advice for anyone thinking about having a contested bout is to put everything into the preparation beforehand so you can go into the fight knowing you are ready. After the fight the sense of achievement win lose or draw is indescribable and Mike also gave the boxers a framed picture of each of their bouts which still sits proudly on my kitchen wall. You cant play boxing and it is a high pressure sport but after playing several sports to a decent standard I can also say its the most rewarding sport by far. What I have learnt from boxing in regards to discipline and work rate I have took into everyday life.
Justin Wong - Senior Treasury Manager, Lend Lease
How did you find the training?
I’ve done pad work for years before starting sparring. Sparring is so different. It is a complete workout because you have to think, hit, react, and move quickly at different angles. You feel spent after a couple of rounds but it makes you feel alive.
Did you notice any difference in your physical fitness and / or state of mind during preparation?
Everything is geared for the fight. Your mind is totally focussed on the fight. You custom your fitness specifically for it. You run for legwork; you shadow box; you hit the bags; you spar; you train in 2-3 minute high intensity spurts; you hit the pads; you skip; you do the speedball for your shoulders. I might not be able to swim faster or longer but I can fight a lot longer. If you’re not fit in other sports you might not enjoy it as much or get the most of it or lose to your competition; if you’re not fit in boxing, you’re going to get hurt.
How did you find Michael as a trainer as assisting you to prepare for bouts, sparring sessions etc. ?
Michael is fantastic in helping you mentally, he doesn’t pressure you at all. He’ll give you advice and pointers and feed you appropriate sparring partners in terms of intensity and skills. You also have a great group of boxing and sparring buddies in gym who support and make you the best you can be on the night. Having said that, you also need to do a lot of your own work outside the ring.
What was your experience in competing on Boxfits Corporatebash?
It was great. One of the best things I’ve done as I’ve learned a lot about facing fears, determination, hard work, focus and finding who you really are in a high pressure (but very controlled) situation.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing the same?
Do it. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, you find out a lot about yourself.
How did you find the training?
I’ve done pad work for years before starting sparring. Sparring is so different. It is a complete workout because you have to think, hit, react, and move quickly at different angles. You feel spent after a couple of rounds but it makes you feel alive.
Did you notice any difference in your physical fitness and / or state of mind during preparation?
Everything is geared for the fight. Your mind is totally focussed on the fight. You custom your fitness specifically for it. You run for legwork; you shadow box; you hit the bags; you spar; you train in 2-3 minute high intensity spurts; you hit the pads; you skip; you do the speedball for your shoulders. I might not be able to swim faster or longer but I can fight a lot longer. If you’re not fit in other sports you might not enjoy it as much or get the most of it or lose to your competition; if you’re not fit in boxing, you’re going to get hurt.
How did you find Michael as a trainer as assisting you to prepare for bouts, sparring sessions etc. ?
Michael is fantastic in helping you mentally, he doesn’t pressure you at all. He’ll give you advice and pointers and feed you appropriate sparring partners in terms of intensity and skills. You also have a great group of boxing and sparring buddies in gym who support and make you the best you can be on the night. Having said that, you also need to do a lot of your own work outside the ring.
What was your experience in competing on Boxfits Corporatebash?
It was great. One of the best things I’ve done as I’ve learned a lot about facing fears, determination, hard work, focus and finding who you really are in a high pressure (but very controlled) situation.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing the same?
Do it. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, you find out a lot about yourself.
Sam Duncan
How did you find the training? Was it harder, easier, a great workout?
I started training with no previous boxing experience and with no real understanding of much more than a basic boxing stance. I knew that I was probably not a natural fighter so expected to be challenged. I’ve found the journey to be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve had. I initially contacted Michael with the intent of doing some quick training and having one bout to test myself. Instead I was drawn in by the constant challenges of the sport both physical and mental and have continued to train and am approaching my fourth bout.
Did you notice any difference in your physical fitness and / or state of mind during preparation?
My physical fitness during training definitely increases. I drop weight rapidly and the sparring stamina progressively builds over a period of time. The mental challenge is constant and continually requires me to overcome fears, focus, remain calm and positive. I think in the modern world it’s such a great way to get out of the office, turn the TV off, put the phone down and really push yourself to extremes.
How did you find Michael as a trainer as assisting you to prepare for bouts, sparring sessions etc. ?
Michael has always been a great teacher and mentor to me. He’s supported continuously from day one and particularly during moments of self doubt has provided the necessary advice, guidance and training to get me back on track. He has continually pushed my comfort levels, worked with me to improve skills and fitness and prepared me mentally for bouts.
How did you feel going into the fight?
Always extremely nervous. I over-think things and doubt my ability. However over time it’s getting better and I’ve felt more excited and less nervous each time.
What was your experience in competing on Boxfits Corporatebash?
It’s a great night. It’s one of the most exposing situations you can put yourself in. Friends, family and a big crowd all there to watch you fight one on one in a ring. There’s nowhere to hide and all you can do is face it and enjoy the beers afterward. The first bell rings, the fight starts and everything else is forgotten as what you’ve done in training generally starts to happen and it feels like a hard spar. Relaxing and letting it happen is the hardest part.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing the same?
I’d say there’re fewer ways to give yourself a better challenge. I’ve learned a lot about myself doing this and improved myself a lot also, not just within the boundaries of boxing, it’s had a flow on effect to other areas of my life.
What is the one thing you love about this?
The challenge. It forces you to continue to grow.
How did you find the training? Was it harder, easier, a great workout?
I started training with no previous boxing experience and with no real understanding of much more than a basic boxing stance. I knew that I was probably not a natural fighter so expected to be challenged. I’ve found the journey to be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve had. I initially contacted Michael with the intent of doing some quick training and having one bout to test myself. Instead I was drawn in by the constant challenges of the sport both physical and mental and have continued to train and am approaching my fourth bout.
Did you notice any difference in your physical fitness and / or state of mind during preparation?
My physical fitness during training definitely increases. I drop weight rapidly and the sparring stamina progressively builds over a period of time. The mental challenge is constant and continually requires me to overcome fears, focus, remain calm and positive. I think in the modern world it’s such a great way to get out of the office, turn the TV off, put the phone down and really push yourself to extremes.
How did you find Michael as a trainer as assisting you to prepare for bouts, sparring sessions etc. ?
Michael has always been a great teacher and mentor to me. He’s supported continuously from day one and particularly during moments of self doubt has provided the necessary advice, guidance and training to get me back on track. He has continually pushed my comfort levels, worked with me to improve skills and fitness and prepared me mentally for bouts.
How did you feel going into the fight?
Always extremely nervous. I over-think things and doubt my ability. However over time it’s getting better and I’ve felt more excited and less nervous each time.
What was your experience in competing on Boxfits Corporatebash?
It’s a great night. It’s one of the most exposing situations you can put yourself in. Friends, family and a big crowd all there to watch you fight one on one in a ring. There’s nowhere to hide and all you can do is face it and enjoy the beers afterward. The first bell rings, the fight starts and everything else is forgotten as what you’ve done in training generally starts to happen and it feels like a hard spar. Relaxing and letting it happen is the hardest part.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing the same?
I’d say there’re fewer ways to give yourself a better challenge. I’ve learned a lot about myself doing this and improved myself a lot also, not just within the boundaries of boxing, it’s had a flow on effect to other areas of my life.
What is the one thing you love about this?
The challenge. It forces you to continue to grow.
