Our Story
At Fortivus Boxing & Fitness, our purpose is to help people discover the life-changing benefits of exercise through boxing-inspired training. We believe fitness is about more than physical strength— it's about building confidence, resilience, discipline, and a healthier, happier life. We are committed to creating a welcoming community where like-minded individuals encourage, support, and hold one another accountable. Every member, regardless of experience or fitness level, should feel comfortable, safe, and empowered to pursue their personal best. Our mission is to help people unlock their full potential through physical and emotional excellence. We strive to provide an exceptional fitness experience that challenges, motivates, and inspires every person who walks through our doors. Together, we don't just build stronger bodies—we build stronger people. We ARE fitness with a purpose!
Meet the Team
Our team combines decades of ring experience, sports science, and real-world results to bring out your absolute best every time you step on the floor.
Michael Farrar
Owner
With over 30 years of experience in training, competing, and teaching in both Boxing and Martial Arts, Mike brings a lifetime of passion and knowledge to every session. His mission is simple: to make the powerful physical and mental benefits of boxing accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. At Fortivus Boxing & Fitness, it’s fitness with a purpose.
Mike’s journey began in childhood, inspired by a book about heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano. That early spark ignited a lifelong dedication to boxing and martial arts. Over the years, Mike earned black belts in Karate and Jiu-Jitsu, became a Certified USA Boxing Coach, and trained under or alongside renowned instructors including Shihan Steven Roensch, Sensei Jack Morris, and Dr. Jiquan Chen, with training experiences across Ohio, Florida, and China.
In 2010, Mike returned to his boxing roots under Coach Harry Cummins at the International Boxing Club in Toledo. Since then, he’s trained alongside top amateur and professional fighters and worked with world-class coaches both in the U.S. and abroad. His path has included training and friendships with boxing legends like Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, “Irish” Micky Ward, Bronco McKart, Billy Lyell, Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella, Beto Palmetta, and Roy Jones Jr. He’s also gained invaluable insights from respected coaches such as Ismael Salas, Tom Tsatas, Jeff Knorr, Omar Borrani, Michele Aboro, and more.
Mike’s experience extends beyond the ring, having collaborated with top strength and conditioning coaches at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels.
Through Fortivus Boxing & Fitness, Mike aims to share the empowering benefits of boxing training, from improved physical fitness and strength to better mental health and confidence. Whether it’s hitting the bags, working mitts, shadowboxing, or functional weight training, his program helps clients achieve their best shape and maintain it for life.
Bryant "Goodfella" Perrella
Partner &
Head Boxing Coach
Bryant Perrella is a former professional boxer, author, and coach. Bryant is also a public speaker who shares powerful lessons on resilience, discipline, leadership, and performing under pressure, helping audiences develop the mindset to adapt, overcome adversity, and achieve lasting success.
Over a 20-year boxing career, Bryant compiled a professional record of 17-3-2 (14 KOs) and an amateur record of 70-9. An 8-time Florida State Champion, he also earned multiple regional titles, won bronze at the 2010 National PAL Championships, competed in the U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials, and trained under boxing legend Roy Jones Jr.
After turning professional in 2012, Bryant fought under both Top Rank and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), earning 11 consecutive knockout victories and notable wins over Dominique Dolton, former world champion Breidis Prescott, and previously undefeated David Grayton.
Although his professional fighting career has concluded, Bryant’s commitment to the sport remains stronger than ever. As Head Boxing Coach at Fortivus Boxing & Fitness, he oversees the Boxing Development Program and Competition Team, mentoring the next generation of boxers while instilling the discipline, resilience, and championship mindset that defined his own career.
Anson Fisk
Manager & Head Coach
With over 15 years of hands-on gym training experience, Anson leads our coaching team with a blend of deep practical knowledge with the science to back it. Having coached athletes across multiple sports, he brings a well-rounded, performance-driven approach to training that’s built on consistency, discipline, and smart, science-backed methods.
As Head Coach, Anson is passionate about helping members push their limits safely and sustainably. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or just getting started, expect a supportive, energetic coaching style that’s grounded in real results.
Tony Perna
Marketing
Tony brings over 30 years of extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business management to Fortivus Boxing & Fitness.
A familiar face in the local fitness community, he previously owned and operated the 9Round Kickboxing studio in Perrysburg for six years, building a strong reputation for member results and dynamic community culture.
At Fortivus, Tony leverages his deep background in fitness leadership to drive brand marketing, community outreach, and member experiences. He is dedicated to establishing Fortivus Boxing & Fitness as Northwest Ohio’s premier training destination.
Stop in for a complimentary session to experience the Fortivus difference firsthand!
Destyna "Dee" Diaz
Boxing Coach & Social Media Manager
Behind the camera and in the ring, Dee brings passion, energy, and inspiration to Fortivus Boxing & Fitness.
As our Social Media Manager, she loves capturing raw, authentic moments of our members crushing their workouts—as well as creating fun, entertaining content with our coaching team.
Dee’s coaching philosophy is rooted in helping every member reach their personal fitness goals and celebrating the visible, life-changing results they achieve. Having been diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), she once believed her days of staying active were over. Finding Fortivus proved otherwise, giving her a home where she could safely push her limits. Today, Dee is passionate about empowering others living with chronic illnesses, showing them how our workouts can be adapted so fitness is truly accessible to everyone.
As an athlete, Dee is a dedicated member of the Fortivus Competition Team and is currently preparing for her debut boxing fight this November. Whether she’s training hard in the ring, guiding a member through a combination, or filming the daily gym energy, Dee is fully dedicated to the Fortivus family.