After winning the battle to start Portland's boxing club, he's now focused on securing support for an innovative program designed to keep young offenders out of trouble.

"I've been working on this now for over a year ? it's only now it's coming together," he said.

"Our idea is to have a place for the kids to come, for one, with a good environment. And secondly, to tire them out before the weekend."

Mr King believes boxing is the answer for those at risk of entering the juvenile justice system, a way to develop discipline and fitness while gaining peer respect.

"You will not find an angry boxer. To be a good fighter you've got to be able to control your emotions, your anger," he said.

"In the industry it's cool to be the nice guy ? a tough nice guy. It's a culture that's been in boxing for quite a long time and it seems to work."

A youth development program at the gym would operate daily, offering mentors along with boxing coaches.

Participants could train competitively or exercise for fitness, with young men and women aged between 12 and 25 invited to take part.

Local police, health services and social workers are behind Mr King's efforts, lending written support to an expression of interest for $150,000 in federal grant funding.

Ros Alexander, chief executive of Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service, said the program would be ideal for young Aboriginal clients caught in a cycle of crime.

"We've got a lot of young indigenous kids that have got nothing to do, that are running around the streets," she said.

"They need some structure in their lives, and we believe that Gary can offer them that.

"It's not about coming here and learning how to belt each other up ? it's all about discipline and respect."

Portland police Leading Senior Constable Lee-Anne Nelson said steady numbers of young people already using the boxing club boosted the plan's chance of success.

"I hope it offers them a constructive option for entertainment, to develop personal skills and to develop an understanding of consequences and actions," she said.

"It would be great if it could aid in the reducement of assault and anti-social behaviour in the community."

Mr King expected youth employment options to be developed if the program found support.

"We don't just want to stop with the boxing.

"We want to be able to get them in the workforce," he said.