A BOXING coach and business partners are going toe-to-toe to launch a gym to help young people keep out of trouble and build self-esteem.

Round4Round is a new boxing initiative set-up by business partners Nasir Akram, Shiraz Puri and boxing coach Ashik Achik to tackle social issues in the community, such as knife crime, bullying, obesity, mental health and extremism.

Nasir said: “The concept is borne out of the love of both boxing and the Bolton community and the need to create positive stories.

“We’ll do this by working with a range of local service providers from the council, police, faith groups, schools, and the health services to create a bridge to collectively tackle problems in a holistic manner.

Coach Ashik has worked with Bolton's boxing star Amir Khan in the past and will use his experience in training amateur and pro-boxers to help the next generation.

He said: “I’m looking to use boxing as a tool to get people with the ability into sport and push them to a competitive level, getting into the amateur and even pro boxing scene.

“It will also help people build new friendships and just work on their health and fitness.”

Ashik has previously worked at Amir Khan’s Boxing Academy and has trained pro-boxers like Osman Aslam, Greg McGuinness and Cindy Ngamba.

The partners are currently in talks to find a suitable location for a launch.

Nasir said: “We are looking forward to working with the local media and businesses to provide support to make this dream a reality and would welcome any support to start this positive ripple effect in the community by bringing everyone together and making Bolton proud.

The project aims to encourage all parts of the community to get active, regardless of their ability.

Nasir said: “We want to create an open and safe environment for all."