Jack Podmore began boxing through Saturday group sessions at Hereford City Boxing Club and now trains at Loughborough University alongside Olympic athletes.
His father, Richard Podmore, explained how Jack’s interest first developed.
He said: “It started out as general fitness sessions at the boxing club, but coaches quickly noticed coordination, discipline and focus beyond his years.
“To build his athletic base, he began training with Flockton’s Fitness, developing movement, strength and conditioning fundamentals.
“At that point, it was clear Jack needed a more structured pathway beyond local sessions.”
Despite growing national exposure, JP remains firmly rooted in Hereford (Image: Richard Podmore)
The family began sharing clips of Jack training on social media, which caught the attention of elite coach Angel Fernandez, best known as Anthony Joshua’s former head trainer.
Fernandez, who has also worked with cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe and heavyweight Frazer Clarke at his Loughborough gym, invited Jack to spend two days training with him.
Soon after, he offered to mentor Jack, making him the only child Fernandez has agreed to coach.
Jack was also recently introduced to Kirstie Bavington, a two‑time European Boxing Champion.
The focus now, Mr Podmore said, is on long-term development and mastering fundamentals rather than early competition.
He said: “JP also works with Jonas Tawiah-Dodoo, founder of Speedworks Training and one of the UK’s leading speed and performance coaches.
“Based at Loughborough University, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading sports performance environments, Jonas works with Olympic athletes and consults within Premier League football and England Rugby performance structures.”
Jack travels weekly to Loughborough “to integrate elite-level speed, agility and athletic development principles into his boxing training, something rarely applied at this age within the sport.” His dad said.
It’s a demanding routine that balances schoolwork, travel and intensive sessions.