HOMECOMING FOR JOSH LEATHER ON MARCH 26th

Guisborough’s Josh Leather is considered one of Britain’s brightest boxing talents, and consequently he has had the spotlight firmly placed on him throughout his professional career.

Upon turning over, the former England amateur captain and 2012 senior ABA lightweight champion signed with promoter Frank Warren, and a string of appearances on BoxNation have followed.

Leather has featured in a number of high-profile bills across the country, but it has come at a price, as it’s been two years since he fought in the North East.

In his return to the region on March 26 at Gateshead Leisure Centre, the 24-year-old is aiming to put on a show for his loyal supporters.

 “When the opportunity to fight in the North East came up, I had to take it. It’s good to get support from where I live – especially considering how small Guisborough is. They’ve always been there for me, and the last time I fought at Gateshead Leisure Centre it was amazing coming out to a home-crowd.”

Over the duration of two and a half years, Leather has built an impressive record, and is unbeaten in eight fights. However, the light welterweight acknowledges a return to the North East could benefit him in fighting more often as he looks towards domestic honours.

“I need to be out every two or three months. If I can get on local shows as well as BoxNation shows it would let me build my record and that’s what I want to do. By end of this year I want to be in the top ten in the division domestically, and then look at challenging for the English title.

“Hopefully one day I will be headlining big shows in the North East – whether it’s a domestic title or even a world title in the future.”

Leather has had the best preparation imaginable by sparring with WBO lightweight champion Terry Flanagan. In gaining such an experience it has allowed Leather and his coach Imran Naeem to target what improvements need to be made.

“I did around 65 rounds of world class sparring with Terry Flanagan. It’s brought me on a lot and taught me what I need to work on and what things I need to put right. But overall it gave me a lot of confidence to spar with a top quality fighter and a world champion.”

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk