Hundreds turn out for launch of new fitness facility in Boston (IN PICTURES)

Elev8 Fitness, in Marsh Lane, has been created by local entrepreneur Vaughan Dent in partnership with the town’s homegrown boxing hero Callum ‘The One’ Johnson.

The facility has been designed to cater for everyone, from first-time gym users through to elite-level athletes.

Features include: strength and conditioning equipment, dedicated boxing and combat zones, cardio and functional training areas, class and circuit spaces, as well as a coffee lounge and on-site treatment room.

At the heart of the project is a longer-term ambition to establish the Acorn Boxing Club. Backed by Acorn Taxis, this will be a ‘dedicated space to develop local talent and build a strong boxing community within the town’, a spokesman said.

The facility launched on Saturday, with boxing personality ‘Big’ Joe Egan, former sparring partner of Mike Tyson, cutting the ribbon.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Callum said: “We’ve built a facility that I genuinely believe is right up there with anything you’ll find elsewhere. Whether it’s young people starting out, or serious athletes chasing their goals, this is a place where people can improve, stay disciplined and be part of something positive.

“If it helps produce even a few future champions, then that’s a bonus, but for me it’s about giving everyone that opportunity.”

Vaughan said the project has been a ‘proper family effort’.

“Three generations of us, all pitching in to help bring it to life, which says everything about how much this means to us,” he said. “Family is right at the heart of what we’re building here.

“Seeing it now, and knowing what it’s going to bring to Boston, makes it all worthwhile. We’re incredibly proud of it and can’t wait for people to come and experience it.”

Speaking further about the journey behind the project, Vaughan added: “Opening my own gym has always been a passion of mine. I had always searched for the perfect place but never took the leap. Then I came across this unit and thought, this is it, I’m going to achieve my goal.

“Thanks to the support of my family and friends, I’ve finally made it happen. My mum and dad have been a huge part of this journey, and thanks to them I’ve been able to equip the gym with top-of-the-range equipment.

“All the early mornings and late nights have paid off.”

The project has been assisted by Poyntons Consultancy.

Jack Fairman, from the company, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been involved in helping Vaughan and Callum secure the right premises for this project. From the outset, it was clear this was going to be something special.”