Geraldton boxing world in mourning as tributes flow after death of Geraldton Boxing Gym’s Paul Barrett

The Geraldton boxing fraternity was left rocked on Friday night with news of the death of one of its leading lights, coach and promoter Paul Barrett at the age of 51. Barrett was the owner/operator of the Geraldton Boxing Centre, and more recently the promoter and creator behind the Fists of Fury series which brought cage fighting to Geraldton for the first time while also raising funds for charity. He was a trainer to many a fighter including Geraldton’s own Mayor Shane Van Styn and was a driving force for combat sports in the region. Mr Van Styn said Barrett’s sudden passing came as a great shock to everyone in the GBC family. “Paul was more than a boxing coach to everyone, he was a friend, a counsellor and quite often he would have a laugh,” he said. “He is what brought the family environment to something that is ultimately a combat sport. “Our thoughts are with (wife) Emma and their two children.” Mr Van Styn said as well as a mentor to many in the region, Barrett worked tirelessly to promote the sport in the region — a legacy that would continue. “He continued to raise funds for the community with Fists of Fury, and he put regional combat sport on the map. “A large number of members met at the gym on Sunday to share memories and to work out the next step forward. We will still have a fight night in Kalgoorlie in two weeks in his honour.” Geraldton Guardian contributor Derek Goforth trained with Barrett and said he was devastated by the loss. “He was a great coach and a good friend. He was there for me in some of the most challenging parts of my life,” he said. “He taught me that life is for living and we need to take chances and risks. I will never forget his words of wisdom and his encouragement during my fight. “He was one of the most patient and gracious people I have ever come across and he will be missed dearly.” Waylon Prater was a coach alongside Barrett and said words could not describe the loss the Geraldton boxing community felt. “I don’t think a few words can describe Paul, I think the people he has left behind best tell his story,” he said. “Paul Barrett was a loving family man who has touched and changed the lives of many, from all walks of life. He served his country, he organised charity events and he helped those who others would not.” “So if you ask me for a few words to best describe Paul Barrett. . . He was the man with wings.” Craig Link was one of coach Barrett’s fighters competing most recently at Fists of Fury III. He said the coach meant the world to him. “He made me fall in love with a sport I never even knew I loved,” he said. “He was the most patient, genuine and selfless person to come into my life, I owe that man the world, he gave me the confidence to do things I never knew I could do.” There was also an outpouring of grief across social media with the Geraldton Boxing Centre putting up a post on Sunday which said, “The community has lost an amazing coach, friend, mentor, husband and father. A life and legacy that has impacted all of us”. The Geraldton Boxing Centre will remain open with Kelly Crocos now taking over the reins along with Prater. “Coach Paul gave me the patience, guidance and knowledge, never did you criticise or judge, you just kept giving positively,” she said. “He trusted me in his corner as his number two and I trusted him in mine. “It is my absolute pleasure to continue in his footsteps taught me and keep the passion he had alive.” They held their first class on Monday morning. TRIBUTES TO A MENTOR “Rest in Peace, Coach. You will not be forgotten.” Geraldton Boxing Centre “You will forever be in my thoughts and in life as you taught me, I will keep fighting!” Kelly Crocos “He was a true hero to most that knew him, and a community member that will be forever missed. Rest in Peace Paul, you made the world a better place” Centreline Martial Arts “Thankyou for all the joy you brought me on our little boxing journey. The secret is, it was all your doing.” Shane Van Styn