Shawn had a life long passion for boxing and trained under George 'Red' Mustato both as a youth and young adult. Red's death had a significant impact on Shawn.

  In 2002, Shawn and his wife Jeannette began to consider the impact that this trainer's death had not only on Shawn but also on the other many athletes who had a desire to develop speed, agility and character through the practice of a sport they loved. It was then that Shawn and Jeannette began to survey the public on the need to open a boxing club in Timmins.

 The search for a permanent location, boxing equipment, supplies and gear was initiated. The dream of offering Timmins a permanent boxing location, a top of the line equipped boxing facility with a regulation ring, offering certified boxing instruction for youth and adult of the Timmins and area became a reality in September 2003.

   The Timmins Boxing Club began in the upper level of the Feldman Timber Building, offering a 4000 sq. ft. facility. It had a 20 x 20 regulation ring, 10 hanging bags, speed bags, medicine balls, hand equipment, a 60 sq. ft. fully matted room and a pro shop which offered all boxing, grappling and some martial art equipment. This old school stereotypical boxing club was a little rough around the edges; however, interest and enrollment grew each year. Expansion at the old club was not possible because the training rooms could not accommodate more than 35 athletes at one time.

    In 2007 things abruptly changed. The Timmins Boxing Club partnered with the City of Timmins and moved into the newly renovated Confederation Sports Complex. The new 5000 sq. ft. boxing facility has enabled us to get the masses to the classes.