Beau Ryan, Shaun Timmins, Johnny Krishna and Brad Gallagher at the opening of Krishna's new gym, Punch. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
BOXING
Johnny Krishna is one of Australia's most gifted and talented boxers.
Now Krishna will be imparting his knowledge at his own new gymnasium, Punch Health, Fitness and Training Centre at Albion Park Rail, which was officially opened on Saturday.
Rugby league personalities Beau Ryan and Shaun Timmins were special guests at the opening, while Shannan Taylor's former trainer Brad Gallagher held the pads in the ring, teaching kids basic techniques in the noble art of self defence.
"The kids were really good and some showed a lot of potential. The main thing was they were having fun," Gallagher said.
Ryan made it clear that he wasn't getting on the pads, but the former Wests Tigers star, now with the Cronulla Sharks, signed autographs and presented raffle winners with their prizes while former Australia, NSW and Dragons footballer and boxing aficionado Timmins also joined in the festivities.
Krishna and his father, former champion boxer Johnny Krishna snr, also conducted a training exhibition in the ring. Other qualified people showed the correct way to perform fitness activities including lifting weights.
"We're looking forward to building at the moment. There's a lot of good kids coming through. They're all beginners," Krishna said. "The reason I opened this place is there's nothing really out this way in terms of boxing facilities or training. So that's why I opened it and it's taken off.
"We've had a good response from the locals. To have Ryan, who is also well known on television for being on The Footy Show, and Timmins, was a coup for the official opening day.
"Being Albion Park, there's a big rugby league following. They (Albion Park-Oak Flats) just won the Group Seven comp as well this year. Beau was more than happy to come down and sign autographs and have photos taken, the same with Shaun.
"So it was really good. Everyone enjoyed it, the kids enjoyed it. We were so happy with the response."
Punch Health, Fitness and Training Centre is located at 2/45 Durgadin Drive, Albion Park Rail. For more information phone Johnny Krishna on 04509 09611.