VALE boxer Nick Leahy has set his sights on the Haringey Box Cup after landing the National ABA Light Welterweight Title.
The 20-year-old, who lives in Evesham, trains at Leamington-based Fitzpatrick’s Boxing Gym.
Leahy had to win a jaw-dropping seven fights in just six weeks to secure the national title and he did just that – beating Aaron Prospre in the final at North Solihull Sports Centre a fortnight ago.
His rise in the boxing world follows less than three years in the sport after originally being a football-mad youngster with little interest in fighting.
However, after swapping studs for gloves, Leahy is now at an all-time high and hopes to build the success of his first senior title by competing at the prestigious Haringey Box Cup at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Speaking to The Observer, Leahy said he will be taking a break from fighting after a ruthless schedule throughout September and October.
He said: “I was back in the gym the day after the national win. Training is tough. I’ll be down the gym three to four times a week doing pad work, sparring and bag work and otherwise I’ll be running or completing strength and conditioning.
“For now I want to keep the body ticking while taking a rest from fighting. I’ll hopefully get to box at the Haringey Cup. That’s my main plan for the rest of the year.”
Leahy, who went to St Benedict’s Catholic High School in Alcester, boxes between 60kg and 64kg and plans to keep at that weight for the Haringey Cup.
He admitted his boxing career had snowballed and said he did not imagine it to reach this stage.
The apprentice mechanic said: “When I started boxing people I trained with noticed I had potential and it’s snowballed from there.
“The team at Fitzpatrick’s are superb. Calling them coaches is an understatement, they help me in and out of the ring. I really can’t thank them enough.”
Describing the ABA Nationals, Leahy said he knew he could succeed and the strong-minded attitude certainly paid dividends in the ring.
“When I entered I believed I could go far,” said Leahy. “I took each fight as it came and by the end of the competition the body does start to hurt and you do feel sore.
“It’s tough mentally too. Having to fight as many times as we did means it’s crucial to stay focused.
“The competition for me was much the same throughout. I focused on each week and repeated my process.
“The final felt different – the atmosphere, tension and excitement – but towards the end of the fight I felt comfortable and knew I had done enough.
“Aaron was a good opponent and my respect goes to him. He gave me a tough challenge.”
