Aussie fitness empire collapses causing customer chaos

A fitness company has collapsed, cancelling memberships and sacking its entire workforce.

Corporate Fighter said it had ‘ceased operations’ on May 8 and let go staff.

The Sydney-based company offered a 10-week boxing course for amateurs, usually those who work in corporate industries, which would result in a gala night where boxers would go head-to-head. 

Around 40 tables at each event would sell for between $2,000 and $3,000, where some of the proceeds would be donated to charity.

The company entered receivership last week, with Glenn Franklin and Jason Stone of restructuring firm PKF Melbourne taking over, ASIC documents show.

Sole director Josh King said at the start of the month the boxing business had been facing ‘financial challenges’ and that he was going to wind up the company in the coming weeks.

The next charity gala night had been scheduled for earlier this month, but Corporate Fighter sent their customers and clients an email saying they had gone into receivership before it could go ahead. 

‘I understand the impact this decision may have on you personally, your guests, our sponsors, and supporters, and I sincerely apologise for any disruption this may cause to your plans and expectations,’ Mr King wrote.

‘Sadly, this closure also means that all of our dedicated staff members have been let go … We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause them.’

One customer told news.com.au he was supposed to be fighting last Friday night and has lost $6,500 from the company’s collapse. 

Another customer from Brisbane had to take Corporate Fighter to Fair Trading after his fight was repeatedly postponed.

He and 16 others had signed up for the event at the end of 2022 but it was postponed continuously until December the next year. 

The fight was then cancelled just four days out. 

‘Between the 17 of us, we’d paid nearly $80,000 in table purchases. You had a contractual obligation to buy two tables. We all fronted $5,000,’ he told the publication.

‘People had made arrangements to have friends and family interstate to come and watch.’

He claims five members of the group are still yet to receive their refund. 

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Staff also claimed to be owed final wages and unpaid superannuation.

Launched in 2019, the company previously described itself as a fun and challenging program for everyday corporates of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds.

It hosted numerous events, including fight nights at major venues across Australia, including the Hilton Hotel and Doltone House in Sydney, Newcastle’s Wests, Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre and Melbourne Pavilion.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Corporate Fighter for comment.