coach IGOR POCEV
Founder and head coach
Igor Pocev is a certified Personal Trainer amongst all his titles who brings high levels of energy and integrity to empower you in the boxing sport. With his adaptable and natural motivational techniques, he will help you strive and reach your full potential. Igor's strong attention to detail and high skills level will drive you to become the best you can be, and he will be with your every step of the way.
Managing director and head coach, Igor, who opened up the first Lionsden Boxing Academy in 2002, possesses strong coaching and personal skills and as a natural leader has an innate ability to quickly assess, understand and motivate youths and adults of all ages, demographics and skill levels to achieve 'their' best in both sport and self-conduct.
With over 20 years of boxing coaching experience in amateur and professional sports, Igor has successfully coached and developed over 20 State champions, 1 National Champion and 5 Professional Boxers.
Aside from his work at Lionsden, Igor contributes to local community programs by providing a safe place for disadvantaged youth and adults to train for fitness and social acceptance, ensuring they are able to grow and develop into functioning members of our local community.
Igor being highly passionate brings high levels of energy and integrity to the boxing sport. With his adaptable and natural motivational techniques he will help students and colleagues to thrive. Igor's strong attention to detail and high skills level will drive you to become the best you can be in the sport.
- Founder/Coach/Owner
- Cert III Fitness
- Cert IV Personal Training
- Masters Coach
- State Vic Coach
- Pro Boxing Coach
- Master Co-ordinator
Young Lions coaches and mentors
Adam Mathieson 'Lowe
Adam Mathieson 'Lowe
Adam Mathieson 'Lowe
Adam Mathieson “Lowe” is a dedicated boxing coach at Lionsden Boxing Academy’s Derrimut location. His presence enriches Lionsden's culture of technical skill development and personal growth in a supportive, community-focused environment. Adam embodies Lionsden’s mission to push limits, build confidence, and achieve both fitness and personal milestones through boxing. Whether it’s refining punching technique, boosting conditioning, or guiding fight preparation, Adam contributes to an atmosphere where everyone—from beginners to seasoned fighters—feels part of the Lionsden family.
Apai Cook
Adam Mathieson 'Lowe
Adam Mathieson 'Lowe
Apai Piutau Cook, known as “The Tongan Spartan,” is a Melbourne-based professional boxer and trainer at Lionsden Boxing Academy. Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Apai has made a strong impression in the Australian boxing scene with his powerful orthodox style and disciplined approach. Since turning professional in 2023, he has built a record of 5 wins with 4 victories by knockout, showcasing his ability to finish fights with authority.
Beyond his own career in the ring, Apai plays a key role in developing upcoming fighters as a coach at Lionsden. He brings the same intensity, technique, and work ethic to his training sessions that he shows on fight night.
Cruz Oppy
Adam Mathieson 'Lowe
Cruz Oppy
Cruz Oppy is a talented young amateur boxer based in Melbourne, Victoria, coaching at the Lionsden Boxing Academy and fighting in the 54 kg (bantamweight) junior divisions. Cruz has established himself as one of Australia’s noteworthy schoolboy competitors . He earned major recognition by winning the 2024 Australian Schools Boxing Championship in the 54 kg category—claiming the national title in Perth and earning the nickname “Missile” for his dynamic style. Additional standout performances include victories over competitors like Caleb Smith and Tyson Adams at events in Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra during 2023 and 2024