Reza Koranki and Joe Garcia bring a new level of fitness and function to the boxing gym experience
Boxing is back, but this time, it’s not just for fighters. At Donnybrook Boxing Club, CEO & Founder Reza Koranki and President & Head Coach Joe Garcia are bringing boxing to the modern fitness world in a way that’s technical, empowering, and surprisingly welcoming. Their signature Box and Burn method mixes authentic boxing with functional training, building both physical power and mental resilience.
We sat down with Reza and Joe to talk about the philosophy behind Donnybrook, what sets their approach apart, and why boxing might just be the workout people didn’t know they needed.
Q: Let’s start with the big picture. What is Donnybrook Boxing Club, and what makes it different from other fitness spaces?
Reza: Donnybrook is a boxing gym, but not in the traditional sense. We took the best of old-school boxing training and reimagined it for today’s fitness community. You’ll learn real boxing technique, but you don’t need to be a fighter to belong here. We’ve created an environment that’s high-energy, challenging, and completely accessible to all fitness levels.
Joe: Most people come in thinking they’re going to get a good workout, and they do. But what keeps them coming back is how they feel after. It’s not just sweat and soreness. It’s confidence. It’s community. It’s that feeling of doing something hard and walking out better for it.
Q: Tell us about the Box and Burn method. Why has it resonated so much with your members?
Joe: We offer Donnybrook curated curriculum as well as 1-on-1 sessions, however we are also the only licensed Box and Burn facility on Oklahoma. Box and Burn is a full-body fitness experience rooted in boxing fundamentals. You’re hitting pads, working footwork and combos, but you’re also doing strength circuits, mobility drills, and high-intensity intervals. It’s fast-paced, fun, and incredibly effective. The method itself was created by Tony Jeffries, an Olympic Boxing medalist, so it’s grounded in elite-level training that’s been made approachable for everyday athletes.
Reza: What makes it different is that we’re not faking the boxing part. You’re learning real skills from real world-class coaches, but in a format that’s built for general fitness. That said, Box and Burn is only part of our training offering. Some members come in expecting a standard circuit or HIIT class, but we also have boxing-only sessions that focus heavily on technique and movement. So no matter what kind of workout you’re looking for, from Box and Burn, technique and sparring, or 1-on-1 training you’ll find it here. Every round demands your full attention, mentally and physically and is massively rewarding.
Q: Boxing has a reputation for being intimidating. How do you make first-timers feel at home?
Reza: We’ve been intentional about creating a culture where people feel supported the minute they walk in. There’s no ego here. Whether it’s your first day or your hundredth, we meet you where you are. Our coaches break down the technique clearly, adjust for all fitness levels, and make sure everyone feels seen.
Joe: And the community plays a huge role. Our members cheer each other on. They know what it’s like to be new, and they help others through it. That camaraderie makes a big difference.
Q: What kind of results do people typically see, and what keeps them coming back?
Joe: Physically, boxing builds lean muscle, boosts endurance, and melts fat. But the bigger transformation is mental. We’ve had people tell us they sleep better, handle stress differently, and feel more in control of their lives. It’s not just a workout. It’s a mindset shift.
Reza: When you throw punches, you tap into something primal. It challenges your body, yes, but it also sharpens your focus and builds real self-trust. People come back because it’s one of the few workouts that trains your body and mind at the same time.
Q: What’s next for Donnybrook?
Reza: We’re growing the community, expanding our classes, and exploring programs for teens and athletes. Long-term, we plan to continue to invest into the community through hosting and sponsoring events, challenges, and even other locations, but only when we are sure we can maintain our culture and focus on the member.
Joe: We’re building something that lasts because boxing isn’t a trend. It’s a lifelong tool for strength, growth, and resilience.
Ready to throw your first punch? Visit donnybrookboxingclub.com to book a free class.
@donnybrooksboxingclub
