Brisbane boxing gym first opened by Joe Frazier destroyed by fire

The Fortitude Boxing gym, opened back in 1985 by former World Heavyweight boxing champion Smokin' Joe Frazier, has been destroyed by fire.

Emergency services were called to the Kyabra Street business in the Brisbane suburb of Newstead just after 12.30am on Tuesday and found the building well alight upon arrival.

Dozens of firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control, whiuch was achieved 1.30am, although one fire crew remained at the scene by 7.30am.

Fortitude Boxing gym owner Stephan Deller, visibly upset after seeing what was left of his business, told Nine News he had been working with people and children in the area for decades.

Deller stated "(I've) been here for a long time ... it's my life."

Former boxing world champion Jeff Horn occasionally sparred at the inner-city gym and posted on social media that he was sorry to hear about the "terrible" fire.

Fortitude Boxing volunteer Todd Gee said in addition to the boxing and fitness equipment, a significant amount of boxing and cricket memorabilia had also been lost.

Gee stated "there are so many people in the community that depend on it, that place is one in a million and welcomes people from all walks of life.

"It is very old school ... but nothing is salvageable, priceless memorabilia was lost.

"It wasn't just a gym, it was like a social club or a community centre ... everyone is gutted."

Former staff member Bri Coombe said champion boxers trained at the Newstead gym, adding "it definitely had a massive reputation in Brisbane and Australia-wide ... and a great reputation for building some champions as well," she said.

Coombe said seven-time all-Ireland champion Conor Wallace and Queensland rising star Benny Kite called Fortitude Boxing home.

A GoFundMe has been launched with the goal of raising $350,000 to restore the 34-year-old gym.

Queensland Police are reportedly investigating the cause of the blaze.

Images: Tuesday morning's fire at Fortitude Boxing (top and below) and Fortitude Boxing owner Stephen Deller (second from right) with Smokin' Joe Frazier (second from left) and former heavyweight Joe Bugner (right). Images, courtesy of Fortitude Boxing/Facebook.