Sporting success seems to follow George, so it’s fitting that he is the latest coach to be added to an already esteemed list. Born in Athens, Greece he represented his country in Athletics at the Sydney Olympics and within a year of joining The Boxing Clinic he became the heavyweight champion.
But success does not come without a little effort, a point that George will be hammering home in his classes at The Clinic. He trains six days a week and an average week would look something like this:
Monday – if the weekend has gone well and I feel brave, I start by grabbing an afternoon conditioning session, driving my body to exhaustion, then in the evening go for a good boxing session, finishing off with a bit of sparring.
Tuesday – I like doubling up with boxing and then immediately after continue with a Muay Thai session. If those continuous punches don’t exhaust you then wait until you start kicking the bags, you can bet money that you will be crawling home and straight into bed.
Wednesday – it’s usually a day off but don’t count on it; a boxing session is not out of the question
Thursday – back at the gym for a crazy double session of boxing and Muay Thai.
Friday – if I am preparing for a Contender event then I am at the gym sparring; if not then it is usually a rest day
Saturday – go to the gym and do a bit of sparring to stay sharp
Sunday – rest from combat sports but love going and grabbing a game of basketball.
Like all of the coaches at The Clinic he has his own personal style. According to George his coaching style is “casual, personable and driven by my own experience. I really enjoy trying to make a difference and seeing people progress through the sessions. It is especially rewarding when you see that eureka moment in people’s eyes.”
George will prove an asset for any one wanting to try their hand at The Contender as he’s been there, “I have to admit that getting inside the ring is a unique experience and one that you can never mimic in a training session. It’s an incredible roller-coaster of emotions but great fun and highly recommended!”
If like me you’re asking yourself where is the fun in George’s life…read on. For starters he’s got light fingers, when I asked him if he had ever stolen anything this is what he had to say; “Couple of years ago, I was on holidays in the South of France and managed to walk away from the hotel with a great towel, bathrobe and the classic pair of slippers. Surely though that is not stealing…” Err George I think it is.
When he’s not inha
ling water in between rounds he’s puffing on a shisha (a water pipe to you and me) and recommends the melon flavour, “As I like to say, melon is the new apple.” He’s partial to a whiskey and coke and eats Baklava non-stop but for his last meal on earth he would choose a Beef Wellington.
Having seen George step into the ring on Contender night it was no surprise that he would want De Niro to play him in his film biopic and walking him up the red carpet would be the very sexy Charlize Theron, two actors with a mesmerising on screen presence. Let’s face it; there are no half measures with George.
We are amazed at the natural ability George has shown for the sport and for the way he deals with & teaches the new members that join our club. George has been with us since day one, the more he trained with us the more we wanted him to eventually teach with us , we have put a lot of time into preping him for this day, and we are very happy to say this day has now come, meet our first home grown Boxing Clinic coach George Yianellis ! now certified & insured by The British Combat Association ( there are a couple more members we have our eye on also so watch this space ! ) The Boxing Clinic Team !
By Sue Finnegan
