Leybourne looking to sizzle on Sunday
Leybourne has Morris covering up. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
AFTER a strange but successful professional debut, Warren Leybourne is hunting his second straight knockout on BCB Promotions’ Afterburn show at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, on Sunday, writes PAUL WEBB.
The Coventry 26-year-old stopped Josh Morris in the third of their scheduled four-rounder in September, but the finish was controversial. His opponent disputed a knockdown called when he was judged to have touched the canvas, then took a knee - and referee Peter McCormack counted him out.
Warren said: “I was a bit tense in the first round, which I think was just down to a bit of nerves, really. Before the fight and during the ring walk I felt fine, but when the bell went I did feel it a bit. After I’d sat on my stool at the end of the round, I felt fine and I came out, kept the pressure on, and caught him with some good shots.
“From my view, I thought he had touched the canvas with his glove, so I didn’t understand why he was complaining. But after I saw a video from the other side, it was the rope he touched, which is what prevented him from going over. I get why he wasn’t happy, even though it was the right call, but you have to crack on.
“I thought maybe he just didn’t want it. If that happened to me, I would want to come out and put it on my opponent, not stop like that.”
After an amateur career at BXR Club and four white-collar bouts, Leybourne is now coached by Kyle Wish at the Red Corner Gym in Coventry. As well as training, he also works in the gym and he is keen to absorb as much experience as possible.
Warren said: “Kyle said I had done well for my debut, but felt I shouldn’t have stepped back when the knockdown happened - I should keep punching till the referee makes a call. I needed to be more ruthless.
“I had the weekend off, but working in the gym myself. I was back in the next week doing floor work and pads. I’ve been over at the BCB gym sparring Liam Davies, Ryan Griffiths, and Jamie Edwards, as well as some top amateurs. At our gym I also spar some of the amateurs who will soon be turning pro, and that’s not just for my benefit - it’s to help them as well.”
The show is headlined by Ryan Kelly and features the unbeaten duo of recent BCB signing Dylan Norman and Levi Vaughan.
Warren added: “I want to be out as much as possible, but it’s about being smart. That’s where Kyle will step in and make me let my body rest. Ideally. I’d want to be boxing four times a year if possible. I don’t really think about Sunday’s show, I just concentrate on what I’m doing. I know Ryan (Kelly) from when he boxed River Wilson-Bent, but, as I say, my focus is on myself. At this stage I just want to keep winning, keep levelling up and take each fight as it comes, and I can’t wait to get in there.”