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‘One to look at’ Kelsey Leonard says she’s “excited to lastly get the ball rolling” as she prepares to make her skilled boxing debut this weekend in Belfast.
The storied novice has been rumoured with a professional transfer for the final 12 months and at last steps via the paid ropes on the Girdwood Group Hub, the place she’ll face England’s Kira Carter tomorrow.
“I’m actually excited. I’ve had it in my head for some time, so it wasn’t a shock when it lastly occurred. I’ve bought a whole lot of assist round me – it’s very nice.”
Leonard, who has skilled alongside professionals for the previous 4 years, says she’s at all times dreamed of becoming a member of their ranks. Now, below the steering of revered coach Niall Barrett and surrounded by fighters like Gary Cully, the time felt proper.
“I’ve at all times needed to show skilled. It was my dream. Being on this setting, being round professionals, you possibly can’t not need to become involved in it. The previous few years I’ve been build up the expertise to really feel extra comfy making the swap. Now I’m lastly right here – and I’m very excited.”
Whereas she acknowledges the transition from novice to skilled is an enormous one, the brand new to the scene professional is assured her in depth background will stand to her.
“I’ve fought practically each fashion there’s, and I’ve been within the ring with world-class opponents. I don’t assume I want to vary my fashion an excessive amount of – I’m a boxer, and my novice expertise will actually maintain to me.”
‘The Viper’ shouldn’t pose an excessive amount of of a menace to the 26-year-old Naas native on the Most Threat invoice, however ought to assure her rounds.
Regardless, the Kildare boxer is planning to benefit from the debut and take a profitable first step of what she believes will likely be an ‘thrilling journey’.
“I don’t need to put an excessive amount of stress on my debut. I need to go on the market, have enjoyable, take pleasure in it, really feel the skilled sport. I feel it’s going to be an thrilling journey.”
Fittingly, when requested to explain what followers can anticipate from her debut night time and past, Leonard supplied simply three phrases: “One to look at.”
Whereas targeted on her personal first step, Leonard isn’t shy about trying to the very high of the game for inspiration. Requested about Irish boxing icon Katie Taylor, she mentioned: “Katie’s the top. She’s what practically each Irish feminine boxer aspires to be. There are such a lot of nice names within the sport now – it’s a good time for me to become involved.”
And at some point, Leonard hopes to be talked about in those self same conversations.
“To be on the identical form of degree, preventing the sorts of fights Katie does, that will be wonderful. That’s what I aspire to.”
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