The 69 year-old was a late bloomer, only taking up boxing two years ago in order to improve his fitness.
Barnes claims that it was Golden Rivers Deniliquin RSL Boxing Club president and head trainer Roy Lynn that helped him overcome injuries.
With Men’s Health Week being celebrated last week and the club opening its doors yesterday for the first time since March, Barnes is encouraging men who ‘‘are getting on a bit’’ to give boxing a try.
‘‘My shoulders were buggered a couple of years ago,’’ he said.
‘‘Roy (Lynn) invited me to train at Golden Rivers and boxing really helped me.
‘‘I started training with everyone there and haven’t stopped over the past two years.
‘‘My shoulders are feeling quite good now and my health is much better since I took up boxing.
‘‘Everyone at the club was so welcoming and there is a healthy amount of respect between everyone.
‘‘The age range at the club includes young kids who are 10, teenagers, adults and even us older generations.
‘‘Fitness is very important, particularly as you get older, so I’d encourage anyone to give it a go.
‘‘All you have to do is look at Roy and how boxing has helped him. He is in his 80s but you wouldn’t know it.’’
While Barnes does not plan on entering the ring to fight, he wants to help others reach their goals in the combat sport.
Before the Coronavirus pandemic hit, Barnes was looking into getting a trainers licence. They have been put on hold because of the lockdown.
‘‘I want to help others where I can,’’ he said.
‘‘I might look into it again soon once it all clears.
‘‘I also want people to know that you can take up boxing without having to actually step into the ring and fight.
‘‘People assume that if you get into boxing you will get hurt, but it’s mainly there to keep fit.
‘‘Roy and I have had a couple of spars, but I spend most of my time training with the punching bags and other equipment.’’
Barnes has also put his hand up to be on the club’s committee, in an effort to see it and the sport thrive.
He said without the support of others, the future of the boxing club could be dire.
‘‘At the moment we have a small committee and we desperately need some younger members to help out,’’ he said.
‘‘If nobody steps up then who knows what the future holds for the club.
‘‘The club has trained a few successful boxers in the past and we want to continue to give everyone the opportunity to keep fit and grow their skills in the ring.
‘‘We can’t do this without a few extra helping hands though.’’
The Golden Rivers Boxing Deniliquin RSL Boxing Club re-opened its doors yesterday and will hold two sessions each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The first session for each day will be held from 5.30pm to 6.30pm with the second session to be held from about 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
The gym can only accommodate 20 boxers in training per session, and only those aged 10 years and up so call to book your spot.
If you’d like to help the Golden Rivers Deniliquin RSL Boxing Club or would like to train at the club phone Heather Rose on 0400 343 758.
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