Boxing trainer suspended after neo-Nazi Sewell trained at his gym

The owner and head instructor of a Melbourne boxing gym has been temporarily suspended by Boxing Victoria pending further investigation after the governing body learned that neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell was training at the facility. Sewell's organization, the National Socialist Network, was recently listed as a hate group by the Australian federal government.

“

Following enquiries raised by the ABC regarding one of our affiliated clubs, Boxing Victoria is urgently seeking to establish the relevant facts and circumstances.

Boxing Victoria was alerted to Sewell's presence at the Club Titans gym in Diamond Creek by an ABC NEWS Verify investigation, which followed a tip-off from a member of the public. The investigation also revealed that Sewell continued to publish hateful material on social media from a luxury home he was residing in near the gym. His secret Instagram account was subsequently shut down by Meta for violating community guidelines.

“

As this process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the specific allegations at this time. However, we recognise the seriousness of the matters raised and are treating them accordingly.

Club Titans, which promotes its work with local schools and features photos of children on its social media, has had its owner, Nick Tsioulos, placed on an interim suspension. Boxing Victoria stated that the suspension is in place "until we can get more information" about Sewell's attendance. The organization strongly condemned racism, white supremacy, and neo-Nazi ideology, emphasizing that "there is no place in boxing for racism, white supremacy, extremism, or discrimination of any kind."

“

There is no place in boxing for racism, white supremacy, extremism, or discrimination of any kind.

In response to inquiries, Club Titans stated that it "does not support or engage with any hateful, extremist, or otherwise inappropriate organisations/individuals." The club added that "appropriate action was taken in accordance with our values and commitment to our community" as soon as they became aware of the matter. Boxing Victoria has previously taken action against facilities with links to neo-Nazis, including cancelling coach registrations at another gym in 2022 due to ties with Sewell and other far-right figures.

“

As soon as the club became aware of the matter in question, appropriate action was taken in accordance with our values and commitment to our community.