Ryan Rhodes ready for knockout new venture
Ryan Rhodes left his Southpaw base in Shalesmoor and has purchased a former storage facility in Princess Street
Ryan Rhodes aims to launch his new boxing gym in the next few months, alongside Sheffield's latest amateur club.
The city's former world title contender left his Southpaw base in Shalesmoor and has purchased a former storage facility in Princess Street, Attercliffe.
"By November or December we will be open for boxers and keep fitters" he said.
"It has all gone through and the refurbishment is underway. It will be smaller, more compact than my last place but there will be plenty of room for everyone, including a Southpaw-affiliated amateur club in which kids can go through the system.
"I am looking forward to the new venture, it is very exciting" he said, adding that he felt there was a gap in the market in the east end of Sheffield.
"We will have the likes of Hughie Wilson (professional superlight weight; 11-2-0) back with us along with trainer Steve Nettleship, who will bring his clients - 40 or so - from where he currently is on the Wicker. That is a good base to start.
"I am getting questions all the time from people wanting to know when we will be ready.
"We will have a ring in there, cardio equipment, 10-15 boxing bags and weights for circuit training.
"Parking was a terrible problem back at our old gym, but there will be plenty on-street parking in Attercliffe."
Rhodes said it was a good time, generally, to be opening a new business.
"The fitness industry has gone through the roof.
"I have run a gym for 12 years and in the last five, more people than ever have been wanting to take care of themselves, eat better and go to a gym.
"It is a big part of people's lives now."
The gym represents part of the evolution in Sheffield's boxing scene.
Rob Riley's gym and Manor Boxing Academy have shifted location, and the city also now boasts the relatively new Top Boy Boxing Centre.
Meanwhile, Rhodes celebrated a successful promotion at Rotherham's Magna Centre last Saturday.
His promoted boxers Connan Murray and Rianna Doforo both won Central Area titles, while Sam Lightfoot's own win set her up for a similar event later in the year.