LEO Fanthome cruised to a comfortable points victory in his fifth professional fight.
The ‘Lionheart’ dominated heavier opponent Dan Booth in all four rounds to claim a 40-36 points victory at the Holiday Inn at Birmingham Airport.
Manchester-based Booth (6-9) marked a step up in class for Redditch fighter Fanthome (4-1).
And Booth also had a weight advantage, tipping the scales at just over 11 stone with Fanthome weighing in at 10st six pounds.
However, 26-year-old Fanthome showed his class to come out on top in front of around 100 supporters.
Fanthome said: “I boxed a different game this time.
“I knew the guy had a lot of experience, three of his six wins had come by knockout so I knew he could punch a bit.
“I outboxed him. There were times when I could’ve worn him down a bit more. I boxed in and out and in phases.
“It was possibly the hardest test so far, but there was nothing I couldn’t deal with.
“I kept it on the outside, I boxed up and down and at the end of the first my coach Lee Spare said: ‘that’s the best I’ve ever seen you box’.”
Fanthome’s manager, Jon Pegg added: “Leo is showing improvement with every fight. We are here for the long haul.
“The next one has to be a six-rounder. I had to renew my licence and didn’t have my first fight until May, but I’m still hopeful of having five fights this year.
“I want to have two, three more fights then box for a Midlands title. I’d like a Midlands title within 10 fights.
“I’m building up a fanbase, I’m stronger, more confident and my skill-set is increasing. Maybe I need to work on my inside work a bit more. There’s not too much that needs working on, just keep on with the basics and keeping my frame and shape.”
Fanthome has put a surprise stoppage loss in just his second pro fight behind him, reeling off three straight wins including one by knockout.
Fanthome added: “The next one has to be a six-rounder. I had to renew my licence and didn’t have my first fight until May, but I’m still hopeful of having five fights this year.
“I want to have two or three more fights then box for a Midlands title. I’d like a Midlands title within 10 fights.
“I’m building up a fanbase, I’m stronger, more confident and my skill set is increasing. Maybe I need to work on my inside work a bit more.
“There’s not too much that needs working on, just keep on with the basics and keeping my frame and shape.”
Fanthome’s manager, Jon Pegg said: “Leo is showing improvement with every fight. We are here for the long haul.”
