In the gritty industrial heart of Lakes Entrance, a transformation is taking place that goes far beyond physical fitness. Lakes Envy Elite Fitness, at Mosaic Elite Health, seven local men are shedding weight, battling demons, and preparing for the biggest challenge of their lives, stepping into the ring as amateur boxers by April 16, 2026.
But this isn’t just about fighting. It’s about fighting for a better future.
Spearheading this movement is gym owner and head coach West Goehner, alongside 21-year-old Ethan Royal, a rising talent who has stepped up as both a fighter and a coach.
Together, they are leading a squad of men ranging from 18 to 45 years old, guiding them through a gruelling daily goal-oriented fitness regime designed to build discipline, mental resilience, and self-worth.
For this team, the fight didn’t start in the ring, it started in the mirror.
“We are helping these boys turn their lives around,” coach Goehner said.
“The boxing ring is just the final step. The real fight happens here every day building the habits, the respect, and the work ethic that they will carry for the rest of their lives.
“This gym has changed lives. We aren’t just training to throw punches. We are training to build discipline, mental fortitude, and a better version of ourselves. Now, we’re ready to take that to the amateur stage.”
While Goehner brings the experience and the vision, 21-year-old Ethan has become the team’s engine. Despite his youth, Ethan is acting as a second in command, coaching the squad on technique and conditioning while simultaneously training for his own bout.
“Ethan is incredible,” Goehner said.
“He’s in the trenches with the boys, sweating with them, bleeding with them, but also leading them to victory. He represents exactly what this program is about: responsibility and leadership.”
NEEDING HELP
Dreams, however, have a price tag. The transition from gym goer to registered amateur boxer is expensive. The costs of medical clearances, combat sports registration, specialised fight gear, travel, and nutrition are significant barriers that often stop talent in its tracks.
Lakes Envy Elite Fitness is calling on the Lakes Entrance community and local businesses to step up.
“We are asking for financial sponsorship to give these men a fighting chance,” Ethan said.
“Your contribution won’t just buy gloves or pay for a medical check it will invest in a local man who is actively trying to better himself.
“We need the town behind us. We’re doing the work. We just need the support to get to the starting line.”
“Huge shout out to the absolute legend Trey Baxter and Uncle Albert from DA Mob 3875.
“They’ve hooked the boys up with fresh custom fight shorts and singlets, all designed by Trey himself. Trey is a massive part of our crew — living with Down syndrome doesn’t stop his hustle. He has big goals to become a pro fighter and is in the gym grinding with us every week.
“We are proud to wear your brand, Trey, and the whole team is right behind you chasing your dreams.”
THE TRANSFORMATION
The physical transformations underway are staggering. Goehner himself is leading by example, currently undertaking a gruelling 21kg weight cut to lead his team from the front.
“I can’t ask them to sacrifice if I’m not doing it with them,” he said.
The team represents the full spectrum of the community:
The Young Guns: Bailey Upton (18) and Phoenix Royal (19) represent the next generation. While Upton is cutting weight to sharpen his performance, Royal is fighting a different battle — training to pack on muscle and size to compete with the men.
The Engine Room: Ethan (21), Jesse G (27), and Lochie H (31) are in the prime of their athletic lives, shedding kilos to reach peak “fight weight”.
The Veteran: At 45, Tim H is proving that age is irrelevant in the face of determination, shedding nearly 8kg to step into the ring against men half his age.
For many of these men, the gym has provided a sanctuary a place to channel energy, combat mental health struggles, and find brotherhood.
CHOOSE YOUR FIGHTER
West Goehner (39) – The Mission: The head coach leading by extreme example; The Challenge: Cutting a massive 21kg to prove that anything is possible; Sponsor West if: You believe in leading from the front and massive transformation.
Ethan (21) – The Mission: Player-Coach. Training the team while preparing for his own war; The Challenge: Body recomposition — turning grit into muscle; Sponsor Ethan if: You support young leadership and the future of local sport.
Tim H (45) – The Mission: Proving age is just a number; The Challenge: Shedding 8kg to battle men half his age; Sponsor Tim if: You value resilience, longevity, and “old school” toughness.
Phoenix Royal (19) – The Mission: The builder; The Challenge: Unlike the others, he is fighting to gain weight and build muscle to compete with the men; Sponsor Phoenix if: You want to support a young man building his strength from the ground up.
Bailey Upton (18) – The Mission: High performance; The Challenge: A sharp, athletic cut to reach peak fight speed; Sponsor Bailey if: You want to back pure athletic potential and youth.
Jesse G (27) and Lochie H (31) – The Mission: The grinders; The Challenge: Dropping 6-8kg of hard work to reach their prime fighting weight. Jesse wishes to step in the ring by April 2026; Jesse and Lochie both come from hard times and has overcome addiction and changed there lives with the support of Mosaic Elite Health; Sponsor Jesse or Lochie if: You respect hard work, consistency, and the grind.
Contact chief executive officer, Mistee Royal-Goehner, or executive coordinator Tanaya Hood at Lakes Envy Elite Fitness for more information.
