Ukrainian's boxing gym offers 'home' in Sheffield

A Ukrainian man forced to flee to the UK is celebrating his first year since opening a boxing academy in Sheffield.

Oleksandr Pohodin came to the UK from Chernivtsi, a city in south-western Ukraine, on 16 June 2022 via the Homes For Ukraine scheme alongside his wife Zhanna and three young children.

He originally volunteered at the Sheffield City Boxing Club but in May 2024 he set up the Pohodin Boxing Academy in Syd's Gym in Darnall.

Now established in his new home, the 35-year-old said: "I didn't know the language or the people and now I have my own boxing gym, but I'm not Churchill; I've not stopped a war."

When Oleksandr came to Sheffield, Brendan Warburton MBE, the founder of Sheffield City Boxing Club, first offered him an opportunity to coach.

Before his arrival the pair had swapped messages on Facebook but it was clear immediately that the Ukrainian would be an asset.

Warburton said: "He was great with kids and brilliant with all members, he used to really muck in with everyone

"He's a really good coach and an all-round nice fella."

Working with young people in the boxing ring has always been Oleksandr's passion, having taken part in 150 fights back in Ukraine.

"I love children, I have four of my own, coaching is hard with long hours but when parents and children are happy I am happy," he said.

Syd Khan, who had introduced boxing at Syd's Gym in the old Darnall Education Centre on Darnall Road, was alerted to Oleksandr's talent by a friend who showed him coaching videos.

"I've never seen anything like it, the way he was communicating with the children, they were so connected," said Khan.

"I thought, wow, I need to use this guy."

He allowed Oleksandr to set up the Pohodin Academy in May 2024 and it's proved a successful partnership.

"He is strict and has standards but he's an amazing guy to work with.

"We're now an affiliated boxing club with 22 amateur fighters - the majority had never fought before. He did that in a year."

Whilst Oleksandr's still has family in Ukraine, he is keen to now stay in Sheffield.

"I thought I would live in the UK for just two months but now we are settled here," he said.

"My children speak the language. I have a business. This is my new home, I hope I can stay."

The coach is also unashamedly ambitious for the club. Three of his boxers will soon be competing in the National Schools Championships in Northumberland.

"I would like three medals. Minimum.

"In five years I would like a national champion and then a world champion, God willing."

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