Fanthome bags title fight and it could be for Midlands crown
Leo Fanthome with Ashlee Eales….Leo’s zeroing in on December title fight
LEO Fanthome has publicly called for a Midlands title fight – and is now tantalisingly close to having his wish granted.
The welter, part of Lee Spare’s busy Nuneaton stable, could box for the belt in December, if the Board of Control agrees to a request to give his clash with Callum Blockley championship status.
The pair meet in a 10 rounder on December 19 at The Nest, part of Notts County FC’s Meadow Lane complex. Even if Midlands title approval is not forthcoming, a belt of some description will be on the line.
Either way, this is Fanthome’s first title fight.
It’s a surprise move for Leo – and reward for the 28-year-old’s persistence.
He’s suffered three defeats in 11 bouts, dusted himself off each time and pushed even harder for glory.
But Leicester’s Blockley, unbeaten in 15, presents a steep step-up for a boxer who has not gone beyond six rounds. For Leo, this really is the acid test.
Fanthome said: “I really fancy it and winning it on away soil will be fantastic. The pressure is on me because I’m coming to win and I will win. I’m really excited, really looking forward to it. I feel really fit and strong. In my last bout (in September), I went through the gears each round and got better with each round. I felt I could’ve done another four.”
Trainer Spare has a point when he says: “If it’s not for a title, there’s no point boxing him (Blockley).
“Leo’s improving all the time, he’s a slow-burner – it’s different development times for different people. He’s a great trainer, he works hard all the time. You have to keep plugging away, keep doing the right things.”
Manager Jon Pegg said: “Leo’s as ready (for a title bout) as he’s going to be. He’s into double figures in his fights, he’s as ready as he would be in three or four fights, so why miss the chance?”
Spare’s gym star Ashlee Eales – currently enjoying the best form of his life – is back in action on Scott Murray’s November 6 show at Sports Connexion, Coventry.
The light-middleweight’s stock has soared since he ended the unbeaten runs of prospects Daniel O’Sullivan and Diego Krasimirov in huge upsets. He’s closing in on a significant title shot.
Spare said: “It’ll be a six rounder in Coventry. We’re looking for a tough journeyman to keep him ticking over. It’s preparing him for the next call that comes because it will come and we have to make sure he’s ready.”