Leo bringing salsa swagger to boxing

Leo Fanthome…makes his long awaited debut on March 2

IT’S been a long wait, but the time has finally come for Leo Fanthome to strut his stuff. And the light-welter is brimming with excitement.

Fanthome makes his debut on Tommy Owens’ March 2 show at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport after publicly announcing plans to turn over last May.

It looks like Leo will be well supported on the night, with 150 supporters already purchasing tickets for his boxing baptism.

He’s evidently a popular young man.

“I’m really excited,” said the Redditch 25-year-old. “I think I’ll bring colour and excitement. Even when I think about it, I get butterflies. There will be nerves, but good nerves.”

Leo certainly has a colourful story. Fans should expect some South American swagger.

It sounds Caracas, but he comes from a vaunted boxing dynasty – in Venezuela. His grandfather was a respected boxer in the country.

And Leo’s proud of his roots. I expect to see Venezuelan colours on display on the night. What can he achieve, that’s the question?

“I think I can win a Midlands title, no doubt,” he said.

Leo has had 28 bouts as an amateur, winning 18.

He’s entering the pro ranks with a “let’s see where it goes” attitude: no boasts, no ego. But he believes the paid game will suit him more.

“Fighting 3x3s is a massive risk,” he said. “Now I can start a bit slower, settle and get my shots placed.”

He said: “I’m actually a recruitment officer during the day.

“The reasons for going pro is to make my family proud and see what I can achieve in the professional ranks.”

I wish him well. Fanthome came over as a down-to-earth, genuinely nice individual.

On March 2 we’ll see if he also possesses a nasty streak.