After spending the first year and a half of his professional boxing career as the away fighter, Margate boxer, Ricky Leach (0-4-1) is looking to make a statement in his next fight on November 28th at Medway Park in Gillingham.
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The bantamweight from the South East coast of England is determined to turn his career around as he enters into his sixth fight on the last weekend of November as the home fighter.
The JE Promotions show titled, ‘Kent’s Finest’ will feature unbeaten super-middleweight, Grant Dennis (4-0) in his maiden title challenge as well as a host of other local boxing talent from Kent.
The 25-year-old known as ‘Slik Rik’ commented, “I’m excited, I can’t wait to really get started. I’m in training camp already but the fight date will now really get me focused and I can’t wait to get in the ring and win.”
Leach trains at The Isle of Thanet ABC and after gaining a draw on his pro bow in April last year against Darren Pryce (0-6-1), he has since travelled to Leeds, Rotherham, Wolverhampton and London to be the away fighter.
“I always wanted to be the home fighter and I haven’t been able to get used to the pros yet,” said the 118-pounder. “In my first pro fight, I didn’t sell enough tickets to be able to box on it but I managed to pay the shortfall out of my own money and came away with a draw.
“After that, I had to go on the road as the away fighter, and the home fighter always gets the decision over you.”
Following his debut, Leach conceded his next four fights to unbeaten prospects such as European Amateur Championships bronze medalist, Gamal Yafai.
Not content to be a journeyman for the remainder of his professional boxing career, Leach teamed up with manager, Joe Elfidh in April this year.
“Joe Elfidh came along and for the last two fights, which were both away from home, were the best fights I’ve had. It’s hard to explain but he’s changed me for the better, he’s brought me out of my shell and made me believe in myself.”
The 25-year-old is yet to secure his first win and plans to use the next bout in September as a new chapter in his fledgling boxing career.
“It will send a message to the guys above me, because it will show that I’m not just here to make up the numbers,” said the Margate man.
For Ricky, boxing has always been a family affair, he explained, “I train with my dad, Neil Leach and my brother, Edward.”
The trio train together at The Isle of Thanet ABC in Margate. Younger brother, Edward Leach makes his pro debut on the same show.
23-year-old super-featherweight, Ed Leach was a stand-out amateur representing England on several occasions and also won the HSK Box Cup in Denmark.
“It’s massive,” said the senior of the brothers. “We’ve always boxed together and trained together and being on the same show will be a special moment for the three of us.”
Not only does Slik Rik have the support of his family but friends and fans have been rallying to support the hidden talent to achieve his dream.
“I’m getting a lot of interest since I’ve made the decision to be the home fighter,” he clarified. “I feel like I’m training for something now and there’s a goal there which is giving me a boost. This time, I’m putting in 150% for this to prove a point.”
The rest of the undercard features local boxers from the Garden of England in the latest instalment from the newly-formed promotional outfit, JE Promotions headed by former pro, Joe Elfidh.
Unbeaten 31-year-old super-middleweight, Grant Dennis (4-0) enters into his first title fight after racing to four wins in his opening year in the paid ranks.
Maidstone super-featherweight, Chris Matthews (1-0) will be looking to double his win rate following his successful debut on July 11th at the same venue, earning a points victory over Lithuanian, Aivaras Balsys (1-16).
20-year-old middleweight talent, Oli Edwards (2-0) will be looking to make it three in three after already scalping William Warburton (14-72-6) and Harjinder Gill (0-14-1) this year.
Heavyweight, Dave Jones (4-0) from Queenborough will be seeking to extend his winning run. The 33-year-old’s most notable win came in the form of a points victory over former Midlands Area champion, Paul Butlin in March last year.
Welterweight, Mick Mills (1-8) will be hoping to make the most of being the home fighter on the night in an attempt to double his win tally.
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