For many years, boxing was banned in China and was looked upon as barbaric.
But former professional boxer and Kendray man Paul Clemit is now developing the sport in Shanghai and trains amateurs and professionals.
Formerly of Cedar Crescent, Paul, 56, has lived in Shanghai for the last five years and set up Ringwise Boxing in 2005.
He works with promoters and managers around the world and is now introducing boxing into schools.
"It was probably the adventure-seeking side of me than made me move to China. I set up Ringwise about a year after I arrived and now the name is known all over the world.
"Boxing is just developing in China. I see it becoming a major player in the next few years and, with 1.4 billion people living in China, when it does happen, it will happen big."
Though he doesn't come across many others from Barnsley, the mother of one of the boxers who he trains is from Mapplewell.
He enjoys the culture and the diversity of the city, but admits it can sometimes seem a cold place where nobody has time for anyone.
"The biggest difference between Shanghai and Barnsley is the size of the place and the number of people. Shanghai is a fast-paced city with a population of around 23 million and is seems that all 23 million are out at the same time.
"In the countryside, people are much friendlier and curious. They don't often see foreigners so want to learn about us.
"Everyone should visit China at least once in their life."
Paul met his wife Li Jie during his first three month trip and promised her he'd return. They married within a few days of him returning.
"That was five years ago and I don't regret a thing. The marriage cost around 50p, the ceremony lasted five minutes and I only knew I was married when a young Chinese lady congratulated us - the whole ceremony was in Mandarin so I didn't understand a word."
He and Li Jie visited Barnsley and he said she was surprised at the friendliness of the folk.
"We were in Barnsley market and a guy bumped into her by accident.
"He went on to apologise saying to her 'sorry love'. That shocked her, a little thing you would find hard to hear in Shanghai. I still have my Barnsley accent and would never want to lose it.
"People love the way I talk and I fell like an ambassador for the Barnsley accent. I think we are a very proud people and are very proud of our roots wherever we go."
Paul has recently spent time promoting the up and coming fight for the WBC interim world youth super bantamweight title and the Asia Council Continental title, between Qiu Xiao Jun of China Vs Mexico’s Lizandro de Los Santos.
