Leo: New pro has a Venezuelan heritage

Leo Fanthome…set to make his pro debut in September

THE pro game is set to get a very colourful addition in Leo Fanthome.

He comes from a vaunted boxing dynasty – in Venezuela. His grandfather was a respected boxer in the country.

The Redditch fighter is looking to turn over in September and will campaign at light-welter. That’s super-lightweight in today’s fight jargon.

The 25-year-old, draped in Venezuela’s colours, was among the many fighters at Eastside gym’s open day on Sunday – a really magical two hours for fans of the sport in the West Midlands.

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.

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

“I’ve been trained by coach Sarah Lee from the age of 14. She will continue to coach me through the pro ranks.

“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.

“What can fans expect?” he repeated, thinking out loud. “Heart, plenty of heart, and good footwork. I think I’ll sell a few tickets, too.”

Thanks to Leo, a slice of South America salsa is about to be sprinkled on West Midlands rings. If that doesn’t send the fans Caracas, nothing will.