The sweet science has gone silent, like so much else in 2020, but perhaps not for too much longer at Wagga's Barefoot Boxing gym.
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A pandemic-induced shutdown could be lifted in late July with owner Tony Abbott in the process of reconfiguring the gym to accommodate the requirements of a coronavirus-wary world.
That's meant lugging steel trusses and learning about Covid-19 safety plans and training.
"I'm midway through doing it. I've had to restructure the whole gym so all the bags have got two metres of separation," Abbott said.
"I've done the coronavirus training. I've had to buy a thermometer so we can take their temperatures before they come in the door.
"I have to keep records of attendance, so that if anyone does actually catch it we can easily look back to who else was there. So there's a few things that have had to happen.
"But we're looking at re-opening on the 20th of July."
Abbott is looking forward to hearing the sound of pounding gloves again and giving his stable of Wagga boxers an opportunity to train. But he won't be taking any risks.
"I've got blokes keen to go, there's no doubt about that," he said.
"But I'm taking it very seriously. I've got grandkids, I'm also Koori, I'm over 50 with underlying health issues, so I've got to look after myself too.
"I'm keen to get back to it, as long as it's safe. I won't be rushing into competition or anything until firstly we're ready and secondly the restrictions look safe."
With spectators not allowed, Barefoot Boxing won't be able to have sessions for children.
Participants will also have to have their own gloves and hand-wraps, towels and drinks. Abbott said he'll have some available at wholesale prices to help his fighters get set up.
It's hard to believe that 15 months ago, a Barefoot Boxing fight night at Wagga Boat Club was a sold out success.
The memory of a packed crowd enthralled by the sport was a reminder that there's an appetite for boxing but the prospect of bouts remains blurry at best.
The Combat Sports Authority of NSW maintains a ban on fights. It was to meet late last week to consider the latest public health orders and restrictions.
"It's a crazy time. So many people's careers are on hold in the sport and it's hard to motivate the boys on what they can do at home, some of them are struggling with it," Abbott says.
"Training on your own, you eventually put bad practice into your skills so my main focus has just been to maintain their fitness."
One upside has been a spirit of cooperation in the sport.
"A lot of the bigger gyms in Sydney are sharing live streams of training and Boxing Australia has got the national coach putting out coaching tips and videos so I've encouraged the boys to do that," Abbott said.
"So there's a few positive things have come out of it. And it benefits us because we're isolated in the country and to be exposed to what other gyms are doing is great for the boys, and for me."
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