Leo: Loss will make me a better fighter
Leo Fanthome with trainer Anton Hull. He vows to bounce back
LEO Fanthome has tasted defeat, conclusive defeat at that, very early in his pro career – and pledged to be a better fighter for it.
In only his second paid contest, the Redditch light-welter of Venezuelan heritage suffered a shock fourth round stoppage loss to experienced journeyman Naeem Ali.
The setback was unexpected, but, judging by results, the matchmaking on Saturday’s three bout bill at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn is to be applauded.
I’ve lamented, on many occasions, the current small hall trend of comprehensive victory for the home fighter appearing a mere formality.
On Saturday, Fanthome was beaten by an away fighter and Birmingham’s Ryan Whelan held to a draw.
Such results are good for the game, not so good for Jon Pegg’s stress levels. He manages both boxers.
For Leo, it was a hard lesson learnt the hard way. In boxing, taking your eye off the ball for one second can have disastrous consequences.
For Blackburn’s Ali, a regular visitor to West Midlands rings, it proved a memorable evening. The 28-year-old won for only the third time in close to 130 contests.
He was heading for another defeat on the road before uncorking a swinging right hand at the beginning of the final round.
Fanthome, aged 25, was hurt, hit the deck and referee Peter McCormack waved it off after just 13 seconds of the session.
Pegg said: “It was a probably a bit premature, but I’m not complaining. When it comes to newcomers, I’d rather have a fight stopped too early than too late.”
It is a bitter pill for Fanthome, who sold around 120 tickets for the night, to swallow, but he has emerged from the experience with added determination.
“It was a bad day at the office,” he said. “I want to draw a line under it and come back a better boxer. One hundred per cent it will make me a better boxer.
“I have never, ever been stopped, it was a freak accident. I was winning fairly comfortably. Unfortunately, I switched off for a second and due to not focusing and dropping my hands, I got caught by a big, swinging overhand right.
“I went down, got up straight away, believed I was fine, but the ref called it off. If I’d been given an eight count I think I would’ve been ready to come back fighting.”
Fanthome added: “It’s a learning experience for me. It doesn’t look great on BoxRec, but it’s not a true reflection of what I am. I’m better than that. Jon (Pegg) said, ‘you’re lucky it happened at this stage in your career.
“I’ll come back and show what I can do.”
After the contest, Leo told his facebook followers: “I wasn’t on form on Saturday and a lack of focus caused me to lose my second fight. I’m going to take some time to refine my skills and boxing and come back a much better all-round fighter.”