The sport of boxing draws people from all walks of life - from the sporting elite and fitness fanatics to the drifters, the social misfits and the street fighters.
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But the one thing they all possess is courage.
A new gym, Next Level Boxing, located in Salamander Bay and run by a 28-year-old "old hand" of the sport has attracted a number of first-timers and experienced pugilists ready to make their mark in the ring.
Owner Aaron Cocco has his own story. After achieving a black belt in karate at the incredible age of nine, he made the switch to boxing where he became a NSW and Australian amateur champion in the middleweight division.
In his own words, Cocco at age 18 took a different path in life which saw him drift away for a period before returning home to Nelson Bay and reigniting his love for boxing.
"Unfortunately, there is not much for teenagers to do growing up in Port Stephens if they don't surf, which was just one of the reasons I wanted to set up this boxing gym in the Bay," he said.
"I want the gym to be a place where older people with plenty of life experiences can mentor and guide young kids when things get a little tough.
"Currently we have members aged from 17 to 72, but I want to introduce a program for youth to keep those at risk away from trouble and off the streets."
One of those mentors is 72-year-old Kevin Ross, from Nelson Bay, who has been in and around the boxing ring almost all his life.
"I was a member at Newtown gym which produced six world champions including the likes of Jeff Fenech and Jeff 'Hitman' Harding, and Johnny Lewis trained there."
And one of those youngsters is 22-year-old Jake Bramble, who growing up in Raymond Terrace drifted to the wrong side of the tracks in his efforts to escape an unsavoury and at times tumultuous home life.
On November 7, Next Level is hoping to take six fighters to Caloundra for the Queensland state championships.
Two of those fighters will be Port surfing identity Adam Dawkins, 44, and former state rugby player Ben Whaler, 34.
For Dawkins, the chance to step into the ring was an opportunity to improve his fitness levels.
He also wants to inspire his three sons, including 17-year-old Lachlan who will join his dad on the fight card in Queensland.
"I am motivated to show my boys what can be achieved - both physically and mentally - by committing to hard work and training. In boxing you don't play," Dawkings said.
For Whaler, boxing training was always a means of fitness during his rugby playing days.
"All I ever knew was rugby, but now I am taking boxing seriously," he said. "It has given me a new lease on life. This will be my first fight ... I have already lost 5kg and will need to lose another 11kg to fight my weight division."
Cocco said that classes currently operated Tuesdays and Thursdays for males and every Wednesday for females.
"We had 26 ladies at our first session."
Next Level Boxing is located in George Road, Salamander Bay.
