LEO ‘Lionheart’ Fanthome reckons his DNA and a gruelling day job can help him become a champion, writes Matt Bozeat.
The 26-year-old welterweight from Redditch targets a fifth win in six fights on a bumper show in Cannock on Saturday, September 13.
Former world champion Sam Eggington and knockout specialist Craig Parker are among the stars promoter Scott Murray is bringing to Chase Leisure Centre.
It’s a big night for Fanthome as he steps up to six rounds for the first time in his professional career and he says the crowd will see some Latin flair.
Fanthome, who has a Venezuelan mother, said: “I have the same attributes as a lot of Latino boxers.
“I have that passion, I hit hard with both hands, I’m fast, I’m resilient and like to come forward.”
Fanthome also says he is ‘feeling fitter, stronger and more confident’ since teaming up with coach Lee Spare in Nuneaton.
And he has been punch perfect since he started working with Spare, winning all three fights, and says his day job is part of his training as well.
Fanthome added: “I work as a groundworker and it’s real graft.
“It definitely builds mental resilience. You have to keep going, you have to keep pushing hard.
“You have fit to do the work and you have to be strong minded to keep going. You start thinking: ‘When is it going to be over ?’ but you have to keep going.
“It’s a good job for a boxer.”
Fanthome has been a boxer since he was 12-years-old with his parents taking him to the gym because he was hyperactive.
He won Midlands honours during his 30-bout amateur career with Redditch Boxing Academy and is closing in on a shot at the Midlands belt in his pro career.
He said: “I know I’ve got what it takes to push on and win titles.
“I want to win the Midlands and then push on.
“Winning the Midlands title opens doors and can lead to big fights.”
