Melbourne Boxing Gym Owner Suspended Over Neo-Nazi Leader's Training

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 organisation, National Socialist Network, was formally listed as a hate group by the federal government last month.

ABC NEWS Verify informed Boxing Victoria of the convicted criminal's presence at the Club Titans gym at Diamond Creek after investigating a tip-off from a member of the public.

Yesterday, an ABC NEWS Verify investigation revealed Sewell was continuing to publish hateful material on social media from the multi-million-dollar home he is residing in at Hurstbridge, a short drive from the boxing gym.

After being alerted to Thomas Sewell's secret Instagram account, parent company Meta shut it down yesterday evening for violating its community guidelines.

'No place' for racism

Club Titans boxing gym promotes online the work it does with "local schools and preschools", and features multiple photos of children on its social media accounts.

Boxing Victoria has confirmed Club Titans owner and head instructor Nick Tsioulos is now on an interim suspension "until we can get more information" about Sewell's attendance at the facility.

In a statement to ABC NEWS Verify, Boxing Victoria said it condemned racism, white supremacy, and neo-Nazi ideology in the strongest possible terms.

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

"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.

"Boxing Victoria is committed to ensuring that boxing is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming sport for all Australians, regardless of background, race, religion, or identity.

"The safety, dignity and wellbeing of all participants in our sport — including athletes, members, officials, and the broader community — is non-negotiable.

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

ABC NEWS Verify does not suggest Mr Tsioulos holds racist or extremist views.

In response to questions from ABC NEWS Verify, Club Titans said it "does not support or engage with any hateful, extremist, or otherwise inappropriate organisations/individuals".

"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," it said.

Boxing Victoria has taken action against a facility with established links to neo-Nazis in the past, cancelling the registrations of coaches at a boxing gym in Sunshine West in 2022 after it was revealed to have ties to Sewell and other far-right figures.

High Court appeal

Meanwhile, Sewell has launched a challenge in the High Court to overturn the government's ban on his organisation so that he can register a White Australia party with the Australian Electoral Commission.

White Australia has asked the High Court to issue an injunction against the decision to list it as a hate group until the court can hear a substantive challenge to the new law, which is likely to be heard in September.

The High Court heard the matter yesterday and will hand down its decision on the injunction this afternoon.