BoxRec

Fire has gutted Croydon's East End boxing gym and its owner, Brian Butler, believes it is suspicious.

Two men in hooded jumpers were seen by a witness running from East End Boxing on Coolstore Rd about 1am.

Brian Butler was alerted to the building’s alarm on his phone and rushed down to see the building in flames.

A devastated Mr Butler, who started the gym eight years ago, said there was more than $250,000 damage done by the fire.

He said a witness saw two people running from the scene.

Mr Butler said he believed the fire was suspicious and someone had broken into the back door of the gym.

He said the gym meant so much to so many people.

“I put my soul into that place,” Mr Butler said.

“This gym had a great atmosphere, people would bring their kids here, it was a safe place, a safe haven.”

“I’ve helped so many kids. Stopped them from going to jail. Helped them have a life.”

Victoria Police media officer Luke Zammit said police and firefighters were called to the fire at 1.30am.

Mr Zammit said no-one was inside at the time but the fire caused extensive damage to the property.

He said detectives from the arson and explosives squad would investigate.

Any information to Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Franklin Egobi has offered his gym for East End Boxing boxers to train alongside his boxers at his Champions Gym.



Brian Butler says he cannot thank Franklin Egobi enough for reaching out and helping.

what is it with boxing gyms getting torched all the time?

seems to happen so often.

shady ppl are involved in boxing. not necessarily the trainers, but maybe guys who train at the gym are involved in stuff

This bullshit seems to happen to Good people Brian Butler your Champion mate all the best brother you'll certainly bounce back.