Professional heavyweight boxer Chauncy Welliver has moved his fitness boxing gym, Hillyard Hammers Boxfit, to a new space at 126 E. Wellesley, across from the NorthTown Mall.

Welliver co-owns the business with Jacob Ruffin, another former boxer who also serves as a fitness instructor and head trainer at the facility.

Welliver says he originally started the gym in 2013 with a space on north Division Street, but moved the business to the Hillyard masonic temple in 2016.

“I’m from Hillyard originally, and at the time, I wanted to go back to that area and do something to benefit the kids in that neighborhood,” he says. “Ultimately, we decided we could attract more business being located somewhere in the middle.”

Welliver says the business moved into its new 3,200-square-foot space in September. He says the space needed only minor updates to be able to fit two boxing rings and other equipment.

The gym offers an amateur boxing program, and both one-on-one and group boxing fitness classes for all ages and fitness levels.

The business employs three people in addition to Welliver and Ruffin.

Welliver says he recently returned to professional boxing, in part to help bring more attention to his business and its amateur boxing program.

“I’m somewhat fortunate to have some name recognition, so we’re hoping my return to boxing can help generate some attention for our programs,” he says. “Ultimately for me, these local kids are at the heart of it, and I want to be able to use my talents to help them grow and find success.”