Matt McKenna, founder of Box & Build in Gosforth, has transformed his life through boxing and now helps others rebuild confidence, strength and self-belief. Seven years ago, at age 20, McKenna lacked confidence, direction and self-belief. "I wasn't in the shape I wanted to be in, and I wasn't the confident person I knew I could be," he said. "Boxing became the tool I used to build myself into the man I always aspired to be."
Personal Transformation and Dedication
Through dedication and discipline, McKenna achieved a dramatic physical and mental transformation, losing significant weight and developing a new level of confidence. Even during lockdown, he remained committed by training in his garage, sparring outdoors and pushing himself to improve. When restrictions lifted, he stepped into the ring for three consecutive fights across three weekends, winning each bout and cementing his passion for the sport.
"I've never been more confident or comfortable in myself. Now I want to pass that on to others," McKenna added. A key driving force behind his journey has been his father, who introduced him to the gym environment from a young age. "My dad took me into the gym when I was about 10 or 11. We weren't training seriously, but he called it building good habits, just getting used to being in that environment." His father, a keen rugby player in his younger years, has always prioritised fitness and self-discipline, values that left a lasting impression.
Creating a Welcoming Gym Environment
"Even now, he's in great shape and takes real pride in looking after himself," McKenna continued. "He taught me that exercise isn't optional, it's a non-negotiable part of life. No matter how busy you are, you must make time for yourself. That's stuck with me ever since." That early exposure helped McKenna feel comfortable in training spaces and laid the groundwork for his later transition into boxing and the creation of Box & Build.
Located on Salters Road in central Gosforth, Box & Build was created to challenge the intimidating reputation often associated with traditional boxing gyms. McKenna recalled his own first experience: "I walked into a boxing gym for the first time and left with a black eye and concussion. I can laugh now, but it was a traumatic experience, and it puts a lot of people off for life. I felt intimidated, experienced poor results in the gyms I visited and found that there was no real coaching in boxfit classes."
Balancing Authentic Training with Support
As a result, Box & Build offers a middle ground combining authentic boxing training with a safe, supportive environment. "We sit between the extremes," McKenna explained. "You'll learn how to box properly and defend yourself, but you'll feel safe, supported and empowered while doing it." The facility has been carefully designed to feel welcoming and inspiring, with a heritage boxing aesthetic, classic fight posters, a full-size ring and a dedicated strength training space.
Training is delivered through small group sessions and one-to-one coaching, ensuring every member receives focused, high-quality guidance. While Box & Build does train competitive fighters, most members join for personal development. "We keep sessions small because that's how people truly progress," McKenna added. "This isn't about packing people into big classes, it's about delivering real, lasting results. This is for anyone who wants to feel more confident walking into a room. That's something everyone deserves and it's something I didn't have at 20."
Building an Inclusive Community
The gym has built a strong, inclusive community, with an even split of male and female members without the need for separate sessions. McKenna said: "Women feel safe and empowered training alongside the guys here. It's about creating an environment where everyone can grow and we're looking forward to welcoming new members."
