Founder Nasir Akram, 48, spent decades of his life boxing on and off.
Growing up in Sheffield, the sport helped him gain skills in discipline, routine and making new friends.
His love for boxing followed him throughout his life, and he would always find a boxing gym whenever he could.
While working for a “billion-dollar company” leading the global consulting team, Nasir sadly lost his best friend.
He said this led him to want to do more charitable work to help others, “wanting to do something for the greater good”.
After running different mentoring groups, around five years ago Nasir became reacquainted with his friend Ashif Ashik from Bolton.
Similarly to Nasir, Ashif had spent years doing community work across the borough.
“We put our heads together and decided to do something proactive to help children in deprived areas,” said Nasir.
The goal was to “create more structured pathways, increase engagement and bring communities together”.
As a result, Round4Round was born, a boxing gym with a focus on personal growth and development as well as physical training.
“We want people to come along and feel safe” (Image: Supplied)
Nasir said: “Ashif brought his local knowledge and I brought my business network to the table.”
The pair decided to take their vision to former boxing world champion Amir Khan and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
Amir welcomed Round4Round to base itself at his gym.
“The first week we had five children and bore all the costs,” Nasir explained.
“Four years later, we have 300 to 400 kids a week and we’re national champions and regional champions.”
Round4Round also helps to train Bolton Wanderers Academy, Bolton College and Monton JFC.
“Boxing training is one of the best types of high-level, intense fitness training that is transferable across other sports,” said Nasir.
The club has eight coaches, including legendary trainer Bob Shannon, who trained Ricky Hatton.
Many of the team coach around their day jobs, like Nasir, whose role is completely voluntary.
Round4Round have previously been awarded a Bolton Mark (community) award (Image: Supplied)
Round4Round’s motto is “transforming lives through boxing”, shown through the accolades they have achieved.
The organisation has even brought huge names such as Roy Jones Jr, the Australian Olympic Team, BOXXER, Matchroom Sport and Wasserman to Bolton.
They are now running training classes three days a week through Bolton Lads and Girls Club.
However, due to high demand, Nasir said they needed their own premises.
With a lease now signed for a base in Farnworth, they face the mammoth task of transforming the space into a new boxing gym.
With a £30,000 goal, Nasir and the team have already raised half that amount, securing the property.
They will need to make huge changes to the space, with the ring alone costing £4,000.
Plans for the new space (Image: Supplied)
Round4Round is appealing to Bolton businesses and the wider community to support a club that is making a tangible difference to young lives across the borough.
To support Round4Round’s fundraising campaign, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/round4roundukcic?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL
The new space can accommodate 300 people at a time and will operate seven days a week.
It is not just for children, Nasir said: “We try to cater for all age groups, genders and communities.
“We want people to come along, enjoy themselves and feel safe.”
Currently, a class costs £5, and they will keep their prices low once they move into the new set-up.
(Image: Supplied)
Nasir discussed the importance of being in Farnworth, “a crossroads between Bolton and Salford”, where he said there is huge demand.
They are hoping to have the space ready within 60 days, as their aspiring boxers need to be training as much as possible.
To keep up to date, their Instagram is Round4roundak and their website is www.round4round.co.uk.