Leybourne’s learning from BCB’s very best

Leybourne digs a right to Sampson’s body. Picture: BCB Promotions

WARREN Leybourne, latest addition to Coventry’s expanding and exciting pro scene, is a fighter with something to prove.

Those currently carrying the torch for the sport in the city – men such as Bradley Goldsmith, Aaron Bowen, Jamie Edwards and Huey Malone – entered the paid game after top level amateur careers, even outstanding amateur careers.

Light-welterweight Leybourne, tall and heavy-hitting, doesn’t have that gilt-edged background, although he was no slouch with a vest on. Boxing for Coventry’s BXR club, Warren won a Midlands title at development level.

“A lot of pro boxers had really good amateur careers,” the 27-year-old said. “They have a bit more backing, are supported a bit more by sponsors.

“I didn’t start boxing until 18, but believe if I work hard, eventually I’ll pull through. I want to prove I don’t need that push, that I’m just as good.

“I wanted to go in the elites (amateur competition), but at that time I had my son, so was off in the February and the elites were in March. My coach didn’t think I was ready and I couldn’t go against his word so took the decision to turn over.”

As a result, Leybourne entered the pro game with BCB Promotions as an unknown commodity and has shown real potential in his first two fights.

In his September debut, Josh Morris was stopped in the third. In November, Karl Sampson moved constantly to last the distance, but lost every round. Of the latter performance, I wrote: The Sheffield journeyman, taking part in his 72nd contest, could’ve well clocked-up a half-marathon during the 12 minutes of action.”

“Two fights, two wins – it couldn’t get much better,” Leybourne said. “When I turned pro I didn’t know what to expect. The only thing I really expected was it to be a bit tougher.”

He’s adapted well, although it’s early days – too early for predictions about the future – and there’s still plenty to learn. To dust off a well-worn cliché, Leybourne is a work in progress. He’s still wearing L Plates.

“I’ll just keep on working and making improvements,” he said. “The main thing I need to work on is my boxing IQ – picking up on opponents’ habits and mistakes a lot sooner. At present, that’s taking me a little too long.

“Twelve of my amateur wins, half of them were by stoppage. The power has always been with me.”

Leybourne has learned very quickly that this is a business and pro boxers need to put bums on seats. They have to be scrappers with a sales pitch.

“As an amateur, the main support was just family,” he admitted. “Now I do more social media and the fanbase is growing. I’m getting messages of support from people I don’t really know.

“It’s sinking-in that this is an entertainment business. I have to promote myself.”

He also has to graft in the gym. “I’m sparring with the best,” Leybourne said. “Liam Davies is the best person I’ve sparred – you can’t switch off for a second because he’ll make you pay.

“I’d like to get up to British (title) level, that’s my main aim. I’d like four fights this year and, because of my age, move to six rounders soon rather than later.”

Hopefully, he’ll box again in March.

Can Leybourne win a significant title? He believes so. If he does, he’ll be the champ who came from the blindside.