Arson attacks on South Melbourne's boxing gym, Rare Breed, have left the community reeling. The gym, owned by boxer Ray "Razor" Dimachki, has been targeted twice in 24 hours, with the second attack causing significant damage and gutting the facility. This incident raises questions about the safety of community spaces and the impact of such acts on local businesses and residents.
The first attack, which occurred just before 4am on Tuesday, involved a white vehicle ramming the roller door and setting a fire inside. The building sustained minor damage, but the gym was able to resume operations within a week. However, the second attack, which took place just over 24 hours later, was more devastating. Emergency services were called to the scene at 3am on Wednesday, where they found smoke and flames engulfing the gym. It took 33 firefighters almost 40 minutes to contain the blaze, which caused significant damage and led to the collapse of the ceiling, gutting the inside of the gym.
Dimachki, in a social media post following the first attack, emphasized the importance of the gym as a community hub, stating that while the building can be damaged, a community cannot. He expressed his focus on getting the gym back open and keeping members updated on plans. However, he has not made any public comments since the second attack, leaving the community wondering about the impact of these incidents on the gym's operations and the well-being of its members.
This is not the first time the gym has faced controversy. In 2024, the site was at the center of a vicious dispute between an estranged couple, AK Moslehi Roudi and Tamika Gray, amid allegations of fraud, massive debt, police investigations, and a daylight attack involving a claw hammer and a gun. The gym, then known as Halo Gym, closed in August 2024, and the couple was locked in a battle for control. The attack on Moslehi Roudi, partially captured by CCTV, resulted in internal injuries and a broken nose.
The recent arson attacks have raised concerns about the safety of community spaces and the potential impact on local businesses and residents. The gym's location in a busy area of South Melbourne makes it a popular choice for locals, and the attacks could have far-reaching consequences for the community. As investigations continue, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of these incidents and the potential long-term effects on the gym and its members.
In my opinion, these arson attacks highlight the vulnerability of community spaces to criminal activities. The impact on the gym and its members is concerning, and it underscores the need for enhanced security measures and community support. The gym's owner, Dimachki, has shown resilience in the face of adversity, but the community must also come together to address the underlying issues and ensure the safety and well-being of its members. The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of community cohesion and the need to address potential threats to local businesses and residents.
