A boxing academy has unveiled a new look that has proved to be a knockout success after being hailed as "inspiring" by a town mayor.

Lacey's Boxing Academy has been launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft.

Lowestoft Journal: Lacey's Boxing Academy was launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesLacey's Boxing Academy was launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)  

Its new base at Units 3 and 4 in Leyland Court, Barnards Way was unveiled as mayor of Lowestoft, Sonia Barker, cut a ribbon as the academy was officially opened during a special ceremony.

Lowestoft Journal: New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesNew Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Lacey’s Boxing Academy is now utilising space inside the New Body Gym, which was opened in two industrial units that were previously former warehouses in early 2022.

After the club's former base at Boston Lodge closed, a spokesman for Lacey’s Boxing Academy said: "The club - which is a voluntary organisation - was given six weeks to find a new venue or be forced to close down.

Lowestoft Journal: Mayor of Lowestoft, Sonia Barker, cuts a ribbon to unveil Lacey's Boxing Academy as it was launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesMayor of Lowestoft, Sonia Barker, cuts a ribbon to unveil Lacey's Boxing Academy as it was launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"After speaking with local business owners Matt Read and Michael Rickards, of New Body Gym, to explain about the club potentially coming to an end they both kindly agreed we could work together to provide a safe space within their gym."

Lowestoft Journal: Mayor of Lowestoft, Sonia Barker, unveils Lacey's Boxing Academy as it is launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesMayor of Lowestoft, Sonia Barker, unveils Lacey's Boxing Academy as it is launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Club founder Ben Poole hailed further backing from local businesses as David Cox, from Apex Scaffolding Ltd, installed all the scaffolding lattice beams for the punchbags, while Marcus Stroud, of Lawson’s Civil Engineering Ltd, brought the club a brand new training ring.

Lowestoft Journal: The brand new training ring is unveiled at Lacey's Boxing Academy as it is launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe brand new training ring is unveiled at Lacey's Boxing Academy as it is launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The club spokesman added: "The support of the local community has been overwhelming.

Lowestoft Journal: Lacey's Boxing Academy is launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesLacey's Boxing Academy is launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The community spirit has been fantastic - with all the members helping transport all the equipment, coaches have given their time to install the mats and all the additional equipment, while the club has been officially registered with England Boxing.

Lowestoft Journal: Lacey's Boxing Academy is launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesLacey's Boxing Academy is launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Without this community help - particularly New Body Gym - the club would have been forced to shut down."

Lowestoft Journal: Lacey's Boxing Academy is launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesLacey's Boxing Academy is launched at New Body Gym in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mayor of Lowestoft Sonia Barker praised the efforts of the club's volunteers, and at the official opening said it was "inspiring to see the support" for Lacey’s Boxing Academy.

With the club running seven days a week, for further details visit its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LowestoftBoxing