Fabulous four-in-a-row wins for Kelsey Leonard

Kildare professional boxer, Kelsey Leonard, recorded a remarkable four in a row of victories in five months when she unanimously outpointed experienced Keynan boxer, Nicholine Achieng, over six rounds in the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield on Friday evening last.

This is the second fight in a row that the 26-year-old has gone the six rounds but she was always in control of the fight against a dangerous opponent, something which pleased the fledgling professional as she told The Kildare Nationalist immediately after Friday’s fight. “I feel over the moon and very happy with how this year has gone. I’ve had four fights in five months with four wins so I think it couldn’t have gone any better,” a delighted Kelsey told us.

Leonard didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for her latest fight and to make the situation even more fraught she knew very little about her Kenyan opponent, who had dropped world champions in previous fights. “She was a few weights above me and was very experienced so we knew she would be a very tricky, durable opponent. I had to stay switched on and try and take every opportunity I could and I think I executed that very well,” Leonard explained.

During the fight the Kildare boxer seemed to have the ability to throw and score with good solid punches and yet stay out of trouble herself. “That was the main tactic,” Kelsey added, “make her miss and take advantage of that. I was happy with my defensive work. I landed good combinations but I got out safely then. This has been my main priority for all four fights and I’ve gotten the four wins without taking any damage myself.” While Leonard had a plan, as always, for Friday’s fight against Achieng she still had to use her relatively short professional experience to cope with the Kenyan during the fight. “She did move a little bit more than we expected and she didn’t set her feet so I had to adjust during the fight. I think I adapted well and was still able to get my shots off like I had planned,” she said.

Kelsey was especially pleased to get another six rounds under her belt after opening with two and four round victories, respectively, in her first two professional fights before going the six rounds in her last fight in Belfast a month ago. “It’s all experience for me and more rounds in the tank so I’m very happy to get another six rounds in. Hopefully I will move up to eight rounds next year and step up to bigger things,” she said excitedly.

Leonard’s fight in October moved her up to 12th place in the European rankings and Friday’s fight has moved her up in the world rankings which is remarkable after just four fights. “I am currently ranked 43rd in the world which is amazing. I think the opponents that I have had have been a huge help with my development and ranking. None of them have been easy and taking steps up in each fight has been great,” she explained.

After such a busy five months in the ring we wondered if there would be time for a little rest and relaxation over the Christmas period? “Oh, I’ve had a very busy year alright and I’m so happy with how it has gone. Yeah, I will take a bit of time off for Christmas and then start to look at what’s in store for 2026. No Irish female boxer has ever won the Celtic title and no Irish female boxer has ever boxed for the Irish title. A dream of mine would be to win both of these and in 2026 my plan is to become the first Irish female to do just that. I believe the steps we’ve taken in 2025 and my performances have definitely set me up to achieve this,” a delighted Kelsey Leonard concluded.

A great year to look forward to for Kelsey and her growing band of supporters and sponsors in 2026 then.