A sport student at Stratford-upon-Avon College is rapidly making a name for himself in the world of boxing, recently impressing all at the England Boxing Midlands Championships.
Leo Fanthome, 19 from Redditch, is an up-and-coming amateur boxer. Lee has been boxing from the age of 12 and is a light welterweight, winning the Pre-Quarter Finals of the England Boxing Midlands Championships in Bedworth.
With help and support from his parents and from College Sport lecturer Enrique Cardenas, a keen boxing fan, he manages the difficult task of juggling training with his College studies.
Sarah Lee, Leo’s boxing coach at Redditch Boxing Academy, is in no doubt that he will continue to grow as a competitive boxer: “Leo is a credit to the sport and without fail shows dedication, commitment and focus in everything he does. Boxing is one of the hardest sports to compete in due to the level of competition, yet he never lets us or himself down.
“He gives 100% in everything he does. He is on his way to becoming the Midlands champion and is a role model for other young boxers. I am proud to call him our own.”
Leo will next be competing in Sweden at the end of November at The King of the Ring tournament and Sarah has complete confidence in his ability to do well: “He will bring home another few wins I’m sure.”
He has not yet decided whether to turn professional – “working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach is something I’m really interested in if I don’t” – but is quite clear about his hopes for the future: “My aim is to represent the country at amateur level. Taking part in the Olympics is my dream. 2020 might be a little too soon, but 2024 Olympics are always at the back of my mind.”
