Leo shows his skills in shutout points win
Leo Fanthome…textbook boxing at Holiday Inn. Pic: Campfire Stories
ONE of Leo Fanthome’s band of supporters – not the man himself, I stress – devised a slogan for the fighter following his latest victory.
“Hollywood looks, mighty powerful hooks.”
The welter, of Venezuelan heritage, certainly has the movie star features. The punch power is improving.
Fanthome relied on text book skills to dominate heavier Dan “The Monk” Booth on manager Jon Pegg’s Saturday show at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport.
“Lionheart” Leo, part of Lee Spare’s thriving Nuneaton gym, took all of the four rounds, 40-36.
Booth, from Manchester, represented something of a step-up for Redditch’s Fanthome in his fifth fight (one loss, one win inside distance).
He came with a patchy 6-9 record, but has fought for the Central Area title, loves an old-fashioned tear-up and hits hard.
What’s more, at just over 11 stone, the Monk had a distinct weight advantage over 10st 6lb Fanthome.
The 26-year-old home fighter, backed by around 100 fans in the small hall, never let Booth utilise that advantage.
“I boxed a different game this time,” Leo, who works in the building industry, said. “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 Lee Spare said, ‘that’s the best I’ve ever seen you box’.”
It’s something of a cliché, but Fanthome is a work in progress. Leo has put a surprise stoppage loss in his second pro contest firmly behind him and is now boxing on a high. His confidence has risen to a new level and he is, therefore, more relaxed in the ring.
“The next one has to be a six rounder,” he said. “I had to renew my licence and didn’t have my first fight until March, 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.”
He added: “Saturday has done me good. I feel I’m ready to go.”