Tarn Nicholls is gearing up to launch the space on May 25
Tarn Nicholls (left) with retired professional boxer and former Mike Tyson sparring partner, Joe Egan.(Image: Tarn Nicholls)
A young boxer who tragically lost his dad to cancer has poured his energies into building a community gym in the village of North Somercotes. Tarn Nicholls has spent the last six weeks transforming an empty former slaughterhouse into an “old school” boxing gym which he hopes will inspire young people and adults in the area.
The 22 year-old, who was formerly a builder, was introduced to the sport by his dad who died in December last year. Having stopped boxing to care for his dad, Tarn was encouraged to start training again by his wife.
It led to an idea that the bouncer could create his own “spit and sawdust” space on a budget. And soon he sought out the empty unit on Keeling Street which runs through the centre of the East Lindsey village, in an area where Tarn says there are few boxing facilities.
He explained: “It’s really something for me to do – to keep me sane – and also its there for the community.”
He added: “In the village of North Somercotes there’s not an awful lot for the kids, or for anyone. But it’ll be good particularly for the kids to get into the gym and learn new skills.”
Punchbags have recently been installed in the Keeling Street gym.(Image: Tarn Nicholls)
In his fighting days, Tarn was successful in winning belts in matches not sanctioned by the British Boxing Board. He became friends with retired professional boxer Joe Egan, a multiple winner of Irish Heavyweight Boxing titles and once a regular sparring partner of heavyweight giant Mike Tyson.
With a number of similar contacts in the boxing world, Tarn hopes to stage an opening event on Monday, May 25 with locals and others encouraged to visit the gym from 12noon onwards to try their hands at the sport.
Tarn Nicholls, who was formerly a builder, has refurbished the former slaughterhouse himself.(Image: Tarn Nicholls)
Now, having handed in his notice as a doorman, Tarn will turn his attentions full time to the gym – called Nicholls Boxing – which will offer mainly classes to beginners and experienced fighters. Inside, the venue features multiple punchbags, weights and a ring – which is due to be delivered in the coming days.
Classes will centre around boxing-focussed circuits and exercises – most led by Tarn himself with some help from wife, Leah. A youth class for children and young people aged eight-16 is programmed between 4pm-5pm, with an adult class after that, and from 7pm-8pm an open gym for anyone to train under their own steam.
Tarn is an experienced boxer himself, having been introduced to the sport when he was 16.(Image: Tarn Nicholls)
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, a “Little Warriors” class will offer four-eight year-olds a chance to try the sport. And on Thursday evenings a dedicated women’s session will take place.
A huge effort has gone into renovating the space with Tarn using his own building skills and friends lending a hand. He hopes that once open, the gym can inspire discipline and confidence among young people in the area and be used for community outreach projects.
He added: “I just recently hung up the bags and the transformation from an empty warehouse into something that resembles a gym is just amazing.”
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